Mike Soroka signing shouldn't complicate a potential Blue Jays trade

The Arizona Diamondbacks made one of the first moves of the 2025 Winter Meetings, signing free-agent pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year deal.

The Toronto Blue Jays, who have already signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to multi-year contracts, weren't expected to be in Soroka's market. Thus, at first glance, this doesn't appear to affect their offseason plans to any real degree. However, the Blue Jays have been cited as one of the most prominent suitors in the Ketel Marte sweepstakes, and it's well known the Diamondbacks are looking for top-tier pitching in return for the star second baseman.

Soroka, despite being a first-round pick in 2015, doesn't fit that description. If the Blue Jays want Marte, they still have the means to get a trade done.

Ketel Marte remains a trade target for Blue Jays, though Bo Bichette may have something to say about that

Given the size of the team's payroll with Cease and Ponce in tow, it's unlikely that the Blue Jays can trade for Marte AND re-sign star shortstop Bo Bichette to a $200 million contract.

One way to alleviate some of this financial pressure would be to trade José Berríos, but it's unlikely the Diamondbacks -- who already have the injured Corbin Burnes under a massive contract -- would want to foot the bill for the 31-year-old Berríos.

Marte is an excellent player, though he's got $91 million remaining on his contract as he heads into his age-32 season in 2026. He's a solid defender who generates elite results at the plate (.283/.376/.517 batting line with a 145 wRC+ this past season), but choosing him over Bichette probably isn't in the best interest of the Blue Jays.

Of course, if the team is really just looking for an excuse to go toe-to-toe with the Los Angeles Dodgers in terms of payroll, they could add both players. Even if Berríos doesn't appeal to the Diamondbacks, Toronto could throw out Jake Bloss, Ricky Tiedemann, Adam Macko, Bowden Francis, and/or Angel Bastardo as major-league ready pitching options in a potential trade offer.

Plus, an infield comprised of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (at first base), Marte (second base), Giménez (shortstop), and Bichette (third base) would be one of the best units in modern baseball history. There's a ridiculous blend of defensive ability and middle-of-the-order production among that quartet, even if putting such a group together would displace players like Ernie Clement and Addison Barger.

Still, adding both Bichette and Marte feels like a long shot. If the Blue Jays prioritize the latter over the former, they can rest easy knowing Michael Soroka shouldn't change anything about their pursuit of the Diamondbacks' franchise star.