As general manager meetings unfold in Texas this week, everyone knows the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a fascinating situation.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale listed them as one of his 10 teams to watch during Monday’s meetings. This is what he had to say:

Hey, they still have that $700 million that Ohtani didn’t take from them last winter. So why not offer the same amount to Soto? The Blue Jays know they have to make a splash with their playoffs window closing precipitously with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Dante Bichette free agents after the 2025 season.

Nightengale is right, if the Jays want to save the rest of Guerrero Jr. and Bichette’s core, they will have to act with real urgency. They have an aging, expensive roster (Chris Bassitt, George Springer, Kevin Gausman, Jordan Romano) that was built to win, so going after Soto (or other big-name free agents) is the way to keep this open window.

However, if they choose to go the other direction, they will have several interesting pieces that their potential trade partners can use after this offseason.

Additionally, will the team look to extend Guerrero Jr.? Can they afford to go after Soto and extend Guerrero Jr.?

It’s a long offseason and it’s time to find the answers to these questions, but the Jays need to choose a path quickly. This will shape their entire winter and beyond.

Toronto went 74-88 this year and finished last in the American League East.

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