The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the five teams left in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. Despite missing the postseason in 2024, they’re looking to completely turn the team around in a calendar year, and signing Soto would be the perfect start to this process.
But the Blue Jays need to have a backup plan, especially right now, as Soto is expected to sign in the next two weeks.
What better way to pivot from Soto than to turn to the second-best free agent on the market?
That’s exactly what FanSided’s Jacob Mountz expects Toronto to do. Mountz recently urged the Blue Jays to pursue Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes if they miss on Soto.
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“As long as the Blue Jays save their Soto money, there isn’t any harm in going after a star pitcher. This offseason, there is no better option than Corbin Burnes,” Mountz wrote. “As the top arm on the free agent market, he will command a hefty sum of money. David Schoenfield of ESPN estimates he will make $225 million. If the Blue Jays are willing to approach $600 million for Soto, they could easily reach a deal for Burnes at this price, and it may prove worth it. His arm at the front of Toronto’s rotation could be what gets them into the postseason for years to come.”
The biggest hole on Toronto’s team isn’t the starting rotation. But, with a talent like Burnes available, the Blue Jays need to bring in as much talent as possible.
Last season, Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA in 32 starts. It was the fifth straight season where he posted an ERA of less than 3.50. Burnes is one of if not the best pitcher in the league.
It would be extra sweet for Toronto to steal such a talented pitcher from a division rival.
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