The 2024-25 Major League Baseball offseason is already underway, and the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly making waves in the pursuit of Juan Soto. Having met with him in person, the Jays seem determined to secure the services of one of baseball's brightest stars. Soto, only 26, is a coveted presence on the field, bringing a robust career OPS+ of 160 and a career WAR of 36.4 to potential suitors.
Last season, Soto showcased his remarkable batting prowess with a .288 average, an on-base percentage of .419, and a slugging percentage of .569. He left his mark on the league by hitting 41 home runs and impressively recorded more walks than strikeouts—an increasingly rare feat in today's game. Given these stellar statistics, industry insiders speculate that Soto's next contract might reach or even exceed the $600 million mark, setting a new standard for elite player compensation.
Simultaneously, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves at a crucial juncture this offseason, especially with David Rubenstein stepping in as the new lead owner. The Orioles are actively evaluating their financial commitments with an eye towards bolstering their pitching rotation. Mike Elias, the team's executive, has openly stated the Orioles' ambition: "Their ace this past season Corbin Burnes, who's in line for a high finish in the AL Cy Young balloting, is foremost among those free agents, and a reunion with Baltimore is possible."
The Orioles are reportedly interested in pursuing pitchers such as Blake Snell, Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, and Sean Manaea, all strong candidates who could significantly enhance their rotation. Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox is also on their radar as a potential trade acquisition.
Corbin Burnes's future remains a pivotal point for the Orioles. He is a free agent and, having been tendered a Qualifying Offer, Baltimore stands at a crossroads. Elias further elaborates on their strategy, noting, "The O's, though, may prefer a different route, one that allows them to add a compensatory draft pick when Burnes, who was tendered a Qualifying Offer, signs elsewhere." This indicates that while the Orioles are open to a reunion with Burnes, they are also strategically positioned to benefit should he choose to sign with another team.
As teams across Major League Baseball prepare for this pivotal offseason, significant trade and free-agent negotiations are set to unfold. The landscape is ripe with possibilities, promising an exciting chapter ahead for both players and fans. Whether it's the potential record-breaking contract for Juan Soto or the strategic dealings of the Orioles, the coming months promise to reshape the contours of the league for the foreseeable future.