But the dark horse in the race is the Toronto Blue Jays.
They reportedly finished runner-up in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. That shows they are willing to dole out insane amounts of money to contend with their American League East rival.
USA Today and MLB Insider Bob Nightengale confirmed the Blue Jays are legit contenders in the race for Soto.
The Yankees slugger will be coming off the best all-around season of his career.
Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs in 2023. That goes along with a .288 batting average, a .419 on-base percentage, 109 RBI, and a career-high 128 runs scored.
Granted, he has likely had more protection in this Yankees lineup than any he has been a part of. But Toronto’s lineup is nothing to scoff at. At the very least, he would not be the only bash brother, as Vlad Guerrero Jr. still resides in Toronto.
Soto is reportedly going to command north of $600 million.
The Yankees are already miles over the salary cap. Their projected total salary cap hit next year exceeds $249 million. Now, a World Series title might soften the luxury tax blow to the Steinbrenner family. But a loss may just tip the scales away from a return to the Bronx.
