The New York Mets signed Juan Soto to a 16-year, $765 million contract that could be worth more than $800 million when it’s all said and done. Soto is a once-in-a-generation talent, which explains why he was able to break Shohei Ohtani’s mark just one year later. The Mets knew they wanted Soto and outbid the powerful Yankees to get it.

Also in the Soto market were the Toronto Blue Jays. Although the Jays’ final offer has not been confirmed, Sportsnet reported that it did not exceed $700 million. Part of this is because Toronto only has limited financial flexibility (and it’s not as much as Steve Cohen), but the Blue Jays also have another major investment on the horizon.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2025. Vladdy is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro, slashing .323/.396/.544 for a .940 OPS. Guerrero Jr. has never won the MVP award, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if that award goes to him in the future. He has yet to reach his peak and has been a part of four straight AL All-Star teams.

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The Blue Jays front office has no plans to trade Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette this offseason. However, don’t be surprised if Ross Atkins changes his tune The trade deadline will come if the Jays are out of contention, and Guerrero Jr. is determined to reach free agency.

By Mike Rodriguez and Carlos Baergatwo journalists with questionable backgrounds, Guerrero Jr. turned down a $340 million extension before Soto signed his recording contract. Obviously, it was Vladdy’s right decision.

If I rated the source here, it would not receive the highest rating. It’s not like Jeff Passan, Ken Rosenthal, Jon Heyman or our own Robert Murray reported it openly. However, it’s clear that $340 million wouldn’t be enough to extend Guerrero Jr., who would be smart to test free agency if he had another season like 2024.

The Blue Jays’ chances of retaining him are slim, and the chances of them signing him before he hits free agency are even less.

Atkins and the Jays front office could have extended Guerrero Jr. last winter, but they were too busy pursuing Ohtani. This winter, Soto was in the spotlight. Vladdy was always destined to leave.