Is Soto a suitable fit for the Blue Jays given that he is expected to be the most well-known player available in the trade market this winter?

The Toronto Blue Jays’ best chance to make a franchise-changing trade could be to acquire Juan Soto from San Diego, if their pursuit of free agent two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani doesn’t work out.

 

Many industry observers think the Padres’ precarious financial position will keep them from keeping the three-time All-Star into next season, particularly in light of the club’s September loan of about $50 million to meet costs.

The smartest course of action would be to sell Soto before he becomes a free agent in a year, which would let the team to recover a portion of the enormous haul it gave to Washington in the 2022 blockbuster.

He only has one season left under team control, so getting him probably won’t be simple.

 

San Diego gave up six players for two and a half seasons of Soto, including three highly touted prospects (CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Robert Hassell) and a youthful starting pitcher (MacKenzie Gore). As a result, management will probably hold out as long as possible.

A yes-or-no question probably shouldn’t be used to decide such a significant matter. Or, at least, not before discussing the implications further, since it has the potential to significantly change the organization’s course.

In light of this, let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of the Blue Jays and Padres making a sensational trade for Soto during the offseason.

Advantages

This is the start of the fun.

One of the main reasons Soto, a 25-year-old with offensive prowess, is such a sought-after player is his evident value on the field.

When it comes to making firm contact, hitting for power, obtaining free passes, and managing the strike zone, he is among the best of the best.

All of those qualities add up to an incredible bright red Baseball Savant profile that ranks the generational great as one of the game’s most gifted hitters.

And in 2023, he stayed exactly that, with the exception of one area (sweet spot).