Part 4/8:
Toronto's Aggressive Stance
The urgency from Toronto is palpable as O’Dowd describes them as the most desperate team in pursuit of Soto, comparing it to their previous attempts—such as offering $700 million to Shohei Ohtani last season. He argues that while Toronto is a desirable market, Soto's historical significance might not resonate as deeply there compared to the tradition-rich franchises like New York or Boston.
“I do think there’s a certain allure that traditional teams have, especially when we consider the legacies of legendary hitters," O'Dowd explains. This sentiment raises the question of what factors a player like Soto prioritizes in free agency: legacy, money, or the ability to compete at the highest level.