Despite a lack of playoff success, the Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the highest-spending teams in baseball in recent years.
The team signed big contracts with George Springer, Hyun-jin Ryu, Kevin Guzman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and more, and also paid a large amount of money in arbitration to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Despite the large financial commitment, the Blue Jays will not have to pay a luxury tax penalty as a result of the 2024 payroll.
According to the Associated Press, a list of all team spending for 2024 has been released.
The Toronto Blue Jays reduced their tax liability to $233.9 million with a series of summer trades, below the $237 million threshold. The Blue Jays were expected to start the season with $244.3 million.
The Blue Jays were able to cut the salaries of Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner, and Kevin Kiermaier before the deadline. They also traded away Yimi Garcia and Nate Pearson, bringing back inexpensive prospects.
The fact that the Blue Jays avoided taxes means they should be able to spend a lot of money again this offseason. Guerrero’s arbitration numbers will be huge, but he could continue to get free agent pitcher Corbin Burnes and some elite bullpen help if he wants.
The Jays acquired free agent Juan Soto but lost out on him as he opted to sign a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Toronto has also been linked to Alex Bregman and Anthony Santander.
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