3 dream trades Blue Jays could’ve made with Ohtani’s $700 million instead of making excuses
The Toronto Blue Jays made a rather bold offseason gambit, targeting $700 million superstar Shohei Ohtani and nearly landing him. It would’ve been the biggest free-agent surprise in a minute. Ohtani was widely viewed as a future Dodger (correctly), but the Blue Jays made their pitch centered on star talent, a giant salary, and the unique multinational appeal of playing in Toronto.
Had it worked, we would probably be having very different conversations about the state of the Blue Jays in 2024. Ross Atkins might not be on the hot seat, and perhaps Toronto would be raking its way to the postseason. Unfortunately, Ohtani opted for the glitz and glamor of the West Coast, leaving Toronto high and dry.
Rather than repurposing that $700 million for other contract offers, the Blue Jays essentially sat on their hands. Matt Chapman was allowed to walk in favor of Justin Turner, a sizable downgrade. Toronto was briefly mentioned in connection to Juan Soto, but he ended up within the division, in the more sizable market. The Blue Jays were essentially victims of their own ambition, as Chris Bassitt shamelessly opined in a recent podcast appearance.
Once Ohtani left Toronto holding the bag, they didn’t have a pivot. That is the excuse being made at least. Instead of wondering what could’ve been with Ohtani, however, Toronto fans surely wish the front office was more ambitious in using its resources to add star power of another variety. Ohtani isn’t the only needle-mover to change teams (or almost change teams) this year.
Here are a few trades Toronto should’ve made.
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been the vibes savior of the 2024 New York Yankees. He arrived at the trade deadline with a mixed reputation. Chisholm was known to rub veterans the wrong way in Miami and he does not fit our cookie-cutter image of what a Yankees star normally is. The backwards hat, the colorful accessories, the boisterous personality. He’s way too fun to be a Yankee, and yet he is.
That could’ve been yours, Toronto! Few teams need to raise their spirits more than the Blue Jays. Chisholm has brought a sort of incandecent positivity to the Yankees, a team that was starting to feel awfully stale before the deadline. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are the primary engines in Yankee land, but Chisholm backs up his personality with a tremendous, five-tool skill set.
He puts the barrel on the ball, he hits for power, and he’s a menace on the base paths. Chisholm is an incredible athlete in general, and at 26, he’s still putting the pieces together. There is considerable untapped upside. Moreover, Chisholm has been the ultimate team player, learning third base on the fly (and looking quite good) to pacify Gleyber Torres, who basically refused to change positions.
Chisholm was perfectly affordable relative to other big names moved this season. He’s 26 with multiple years of team control left and an All-Star on his resumé. He’s comfortable at several positions, both infield and outfield, and he’s the sort of live-wire playmaker the Blue Jays lack.
