As the MLB Winter Meetings approach, rumors are intensifying, with many predicting that Juan Soto’s signing is imminent. At just 26 years old, Soto is set to become one of the highest-paid players in MLB history, and the competition for his services is heating up, with a late surge from an American League team.

Soto, a World Series champion and perennial All-Star outfielder, is the top free agent on the market this winter. His list of potential suitors has now been narrowed to five teams: the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, all of whom have made multiple offers.

Juan Soto Stats (ESPN): .288/.419/.569, .989 OPS, 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, 31 doubles.

Initially, it seemed like the bidding war for Soto would come down to the Yankees and Mets. However, in recent days, the Red Sox have emerged as a serious contender, threatening to swoop in and steal Soto away from their rivals. Now, a last-minute push from the Blue Jays could change the dynamics of the race.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Blue Jays are “making a strong push” to convince Soto to reject offers from the Yankees and Red Sox and sign a lucrative contract to become the face of Toronto sports. The Jays’ front office is said to be leading a highly aggressive campaign.

Adding weight to Rosenthal’s report, SportsNet New York’s Andy Martino says there is a “widespread belief” in baseball that the Blue Jays will ultimately offer the highest contract to Soto. This comes as rumors swirl that contract offers from multiple teams have now surpassed $600 million in total value.

Juan Soto Career Earnings (Spotrac): $82.304 million.

Unlike Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal with the Dodgers included substantial deferrals, Soto’s deal is not expected to have heavy deferrals. However, it is anticipated that Soto’s contract will include player options, allowing him to test free agency again in a few years.

With the Winter Meetings set to begin on December 9, the expectation is that Soto will finalize his decision just before then. While the Blue Jays are poised to make the highest offer, the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox remain the frontrunners to land him. If Toronto misses out on Soto, the team could shift its focus to negotiating a contract extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.