The Toronto Blue Jays are looking ambitious this offseason. While they are already heavily linked with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, their backup plan is just as big of a blockbuster deal. Though the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres are converging on a possible Juan Soto trade, the Blue Jays have also emerged as a leading contender for the Dominican slugger in a surprising twist.

Why is Toronto so desperate for big stars this year? Their biggest need is to take the next step in their evolution. But with Soto and Ohtani as targets, how will the Jays cope with the pressure?

The Toronto Blue Jays enter the Juan Soto trade scene

The Yankees recently denied the Friars’ demand for two star prospects, with one of the chief reasons being the lack of competition for his high salary. It seems that reason might no longer be applicable as now the Bombers have a tough rival in the Blue Birds.

While they’re a sleeper team in pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, if things do not go their way, Soto will be a strong backup. The Jays have been knocking at the door of glory for a few years but need a star to burst through it. While the Yankees can provide Clarke Schmidt to a pitcher-starved Padres, the Blue Birds have a plethora of prospects that they can use.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided a possible list of players that included Ricky Tiedemann, Bowden Francis, and Alek Manoah. Could the Pads be more attracted to these names? Especially as the Bronx squad is not ready to put a few of their players on the trade table?

Read more: Amidst Shohei Ohtani Uncertainty, Toronto Blue Jays Target Top Trade Names Including Juan Soto and Pete Alonso

So why are the Blue Jays going after both Soto and Ohtani? Normally playoff wins would be a big reason but the latest comments that their GM provide more insight.

The Blue Birds could be trying to shun their past identity

In an interview with the Athletic, Ross Atkins commented, “We’ve missed out on players. We’ve come in second. We’ve come in fifth. We’ve come in in-between and sometimes we haven’t been heavily in or heavily considered.” Even with recent successes the Blue Jays still have a reputation of being a smaller team. But they’re desperately trying to fight that image.

Big signings would mean a big team identity for the Jays as major players come to Toronto. With the Soto race getting competitive, will the Yankees succeed in getting him? Or will their rivals win out yet again?

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