logo
News and Notes: Multiple sources say the Blue Jays will be the highest bidder on Juan Soto
alt
Photo credit: © Brad Penner - USA Today
Ryley Delaney
Dec 2, 2024, 15:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 2, 2024, 14:26 EST
Comments
It seems like the Toronto Blue Jays are all-in on Juan Soto.
Not just one, not two, not four, but three different insiders reported Monday that the Blue Jays could be the highest bidders in the Soto sweepstakes. Sportsnet New York’s Andy Martino was the first to report it Monday morning, saying:
“It’s no secret that the Yanks and Mets are “all in” on Soto, as one league source reiterates, and that there is a widespread belief among bidders that Toronto will come in with the highest offer. There is also widespread skepticism that Soto would go to the Blue Jays — but a source pushed back on that, saying that if a team is involved in the final bidding, Soto is willing to play there”
Later in the day, The Athletic’s Jim Duquette essentially said the same thing, so you can assume where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Appearing on Foul Territory on Monday, New York Post’s Jon Heyman noted that the Soto sweepstakes is on round three of bidding, and a deal could happen within the week. In the same interview, Heyman said he believes the highest bidder will land Soto, using the Jays as an example.
Rogers Communications certainly has the money to sign Soto as they’re the second richest owner in the league, and honestly, he’s worth every penny. Last season, the 26-year-old outfielder slashed .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs in 713 plate appearances for a 180 wRC+ and an 8.1 fWAR, the highest of his career.
One of the other finalists in the Soto sweepstakes, the New York Mets, is owned by Steve Cohen, the richest owner in baseball. The Mets are seen as the favourites to land Soto.
At this point, who knows when Soto will sign and where he’ll end up, but it’s great entertainment value!

Alek Manoah threw for the first time since Tommy John surgery

Per Alek Manoah’s Instagram, he threw for the first time since Tommy John surgery on Monday.
Manoah received Tommy John surgery on June 17 and missed most of the 2024 season. He looked good when healthy, as he posted a 3.70 ERA and a 5.18 FIP in 24.1 innings pitched in five starts, with a 25.2 K% and a 7.8 BB%.
After breaking out in 2021, posting a 3.22 ERA and a 3.80 FIP in 111.2 innings pitched, Manoah finished third in American League Cy Young voting in 2022. That season, he posted a 2.24 ERA and a 3.35 FIP in 196.2 innings pitched, with a 22.9 K% and a 6.5 BB%.
Unfortunately, Manoah was unable to keep the good times rolling in 2023, posting a 5.87 ERA and a 6.01 FIP in 87.1 innings pitched, with a 19 K% and a 14.2 BB%. He was optioned in June 2023 and infamously gave up 11 earned runs in 2.2 innings pitched in the Florida Complex League.
With that being said, it’s nice to see Manoah throwing for the first time in a while and if all goes well, he should be available to return at some point in the summer. If the Jays can get the 2022 version of Manoah back, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Blue Jays hire Lou Iannotti

According to TSN’s Scott Mitchell, the Blue Jays have hired Lou Iannotti as an assistant.
Iannotti most recently was the Los Angeles Dodgers’ hitting coordinator and has been with the team since 2018. The 32-year-old never played in the big leagues or the minor leagues, but he spent three seasons at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut where he slashed .267/.335/.352 with four home runs in 688 plate appearances.
His only taste of professional action was for the Gateway Grizzlies in the Frontier League, where he slashed .143/.294/.143 with no home runs in 34 plate appearances.
The Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 and finished with a league-high 118 wRC+, edging out the New York Yankees’ 117 wRC+.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.

Nation Gear Black Friday Sale

Black Friday is HERE, Nation Citizens! 🏒 Score 15% off all your favorites, including the brand-new “My City” Collection and fresh drops you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re gifting a die-hard fan or upgrading your own game-day fit, Nation Gear has you covered. Spend over $200, and enjoy free shipping, too! 🛍️ But hurry—this one-week-only deal is live now! Shop exclusively at nationgear.ca and make this holiday season unforgettable!

News

Breaking News