The Toronto Blue Jays still have the opportunity to secure an “A” grade for their offseason moves.
Initially, Toronto’s offseason was defined by near-misses. They fell short on Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Roki Sasaki. However, things may be starting to shift in their favor.
Earlier this week, the Blue Jays signed All-Star outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year deal worth $92.5 million. With deferred payments, the deal’s present-day value is just over $68 million, giving Toronto some financial flexibility to pursue additional moves.
With that flexibility, the Blue Jays could continue to bolster their roster. While they already have a four-time All-Star in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, why not pair him with another four-time All-Star, Pete Alonso?
Content creator Steven Russell recently predicted in a TikTok video that Alonso could end up in Toronto, citing the New York Mets’ apparent reluctance to retain him.
“If I were Pete Alonso, I wouldn’t want to go back to the Mets,” Russell commented. “It’s clear they don’t value him the way he sees himself… That’s why I think the Blue Jays might find a way to make this happen.”
Russell also pointed out that Toronto is eager to remain competitive while they still have Guerrero and Bo Bichette. Adding Alonso to the lineup would certainly enhance their chances.
Alonso recently turned down a three-year offer from the Mets valued between $68-70 million. While the Mets haven’t closed the door on retaining him, Russell’s suggestion that Alonso could be turned off by a lack of respect from his longtime team seems plausible.
For the Blue Jays, stacking up expensive contracts in an effort to keep Guerrero as a free agent next offseason is a high-risk strategy. But it may also be their best option.
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