The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have a serious back up plan in case they miss out on free agent Juan Soto
PUBLICATION
Bobby Ohr
December 6, 2024 (4:57 PM)
Photo credit: The Queen's Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently all in on trying to land Juan Soto but if they fail, they seem to have a back up plan which is pitcher Corbin Burnes.
The Blue Jays seem to have a backup plan in Corbin Burnes if Juan Soto signs elsewhere
According to multiple reports, the Blue Jays held an in person meeting with Burnes in the past few days that went well as they seem him as their top option this off-season after Soto.
Must read on Blue Jays Insider
Per Jon Morosi, the Blue Jays have already met with free agent ace Corbin Burnes. The 2021 Cy Young Award winner threw to a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings this past season, and has consistently been among the best pitchers in baseball for a half-decade now. His Cy Young season saw him throw a career-low 2.43 ERA with 234 strikeouts in just 167 innings. In 2022, Burnes topped the NL in strikeouts with 243, but his strikeout rates have since dipped. --Mountz
Burnes is an incredible pitcher who had a great season in 2024 for the Baltimore Orioles and was the American League Cy Young winner only 3 years ago proving just how dominant he is.
If the Blue Jays miss out on Soto, Burnes will not replace his offense but will likely bring a very similar impact to the team as he is one of the best pitchers in the MLB.
If the Blue Jays end up going after
Burnes, they will be saving a ton of money but it will still come at a cost as he is expected to sign a seven year deal worth around $225 million this winter.
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN estimates Burnes will receive a seven-year contract worth around $225 million. This projection would set the Jays up with a clear ace for the better part of the next decade, and provide the team with enough room to re-sign or extend Guerrero Jr. while also adding more bats to reinforce their offense. -Mountz
Hopefully the Blue Jays can land one of these two players as this would completely change the team's trajectory over the next few years.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
POLL |
6 DECEMBRE | 1667 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have a serious back up plan in case they miss out on free agent Juan Soto Should Corbin Burnes be the Blue Jays top priority? |
Yes | 1171 | 70.2 % |
No | 496 | 29.8 % |
List of polls |
|
2 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Vladimir Guerrero Jr calls out the Toronto Blue Jays regarding negotiations during interview |
|
4 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays Bo Bichette looking to push George Springer out of the way |
|
5 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Reports states the Toronto Blue Jays might look to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr sooner than later |
|
10 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Former Toronto Blue Jays fan favorite pitcher signs surprising new deal |
|
10 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Picture released of Toronto Blue Jays Ernie Clement's injury and it is not pretty |
|
11 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr The Toronto Blue Jays have surprisingly hired one of their former players as a new coach |
|
11 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster states the team is closing on a trade to replace George Springer |
|
21 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Toronto Blue Jays John Schneider announces crucial changes for Vladimir Guerrero Jr |