3 offseason moves that hurt the Blue Jays the most heading into 2024

Not trading for Juan Soto

During the same time as the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, it was announced by Hector Gomez that the Jays have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Juan Soto. It was never realistic to get both Soto and Ohtani, but the clear interest the Jays had in both players made it seem more and more likely that one of them would become join the Blue Jays. The toughest part to assess was trade value, as the Jays realistically didn't have the best package available to trade for Soto. At least not as good as their division rival, the New York Yankees.

Soto was traded to the the Yankees in December, and it immediately became a problem for the Jays. Not only were they not able to get the best hitter available on the trade market after being deemed front runners, but he ended up in their division. Soto is a generational hitter that gives the Yankees one of the best outfields in all of baseball, with both himself and Aaron Judge leading the way. Lackluster offense was one of the Yankees' biggest issues last year, finishing 19th in team wRC+ at 94. Adding Soto is a terrific move for them, and it leaves the Jays out of great outfield options, watching their rival get stronger, while they stay the same.

It's possible that another move happens before Opening Day, which changes the complexion of these moves for the Blue Jays. With Matt Chapman signing with the San Francisco Giants, the third base situation for the Jays is likely set, with no clear improvements on the horizon. Expecting this to be the final roster, it's clear to see how these moves will have the most dire consequences for the upcoming season.