Padres Front Office Faces Fan Backlash as Notorious Blue Jays Pitcher’s Name Surfaces Amid Yankees Stalemate

The only team apart from the New York Yankees that is currently in talks with the San Diego Padres about a Juan Soto trade is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have a significant advantage because the Yankees have halted trade negotiations as per reports. While the pause does not mean that they are not suitors, it sure has paved the way for Toronto to leverage the opportunity. A true stalemate situation indeed. 

As the Blue Jays plan their 2024 lineup, they filter out names that are currently dispensable. That said, the 25-year-old, notorious pitcher’s name came up. While his performance has been questionable in Toronto, maybe the Juan Soto trade can bring a breath of fresh air for him. Who knows. it might also present a platform for him to cleanse his optics.

This Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Could Be On His Way Out

Per sources, San Diego plans to add a multi-player package that is capable of displaying youth pitching prowess. Also, according to reports, Toronto could trade right-hander Bowden Francis, 2022 AL Cy Young finalist Alek Manoah, or top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann to the Padres. Manoah’s name stands out among the rest.

A tweet by @JonHeyman also hints at the possibility that his trade could be a win-win. He stated, “Alek Manoah’s name has come up in Juan Soto trade talks with the Padres. Could be a good change of scenery guy“.

It’s worth wondering, why he’s the one being considered for the trade. Well, it is no secret that the Opening Day starter for the BJs was sent to the minors and he did not pitch again in 2023 due to his poor performance. Alek did not take that move well. As he failed to report to AAA Buffalo Bisons, it posed as a red flag that could potentially affect his MLB dream.

It is also to note that Yankees fans are not happy about the prospect of losing Soto with a Manoah exchange. So much so that fans highlighted the irony. A fan, @nicktyrell, sneered, “we want 7 of your pitchers, 5 with mlb experience, one who was the best pitcher down the stretch and two of your best pitching prospects. No? Ok well take the worst pitcher on your rival instead”. 

Well, the Jays are under a lot of pressure for course correction; Juan Soto might come to their rescue. This is likely to happen only when San Diego’s demands are fulfilled. Though the Yanks are contemplating the trade, it’s imperative to look at the odds of the Yankees acquiring him too. 

Are the New York Yankees Going to Pull Back?

Well, the Yanks were, at least until recently, were the forerunners in the Soto-pursuit. However, conversations seem to have been punctuated as of now. NYY and the Padres have exchanged names in trade talks for Soto. Some names among others are Michael King and Drew Thorpe. But the team is swirling back and forth on whether they can afford this trade. 

Read More: Juan Soto Once Rejected a $440 Million Contract – By Playing Hardball, Are the Yankees Undervaluing the 25-Year-Old

While there is still total uncertainty on where Juan Soto would land, it is important to remember that he was the man who once rejected a $440 million deal with the Washington Nationals. History is proof that teams can go to any lengths to get a hold of him. Until the official news is out, one can only predict based on speculations. 

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