BREAKING NEWS :: The Boston Red Sox have been taking significant steps to improve for the upcoming season, and the Toronto Blue Jays are also making efforts to strengthen their roster…..

The Boston Red Sox have been taking significant steps to improve for the upcoming season, and the Toronto Blue Jays are also making efforts to strengthen their roster. While Toronto’s offseason focused on high-profile players they missed out on, including Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes, the team didn’t leave empty-handed. They secured Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer, two key additions expected to bolster their competitiveness in the American League East. Additionally, rumors have linked the Jays to Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, with the potential to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. around.

However, an MLB insider suggests the situation may not be as straightforward as it seems. According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, the Blue Jays’ payroll has reached $273.3 million, which puts them dangerously close to the highest luxury tax threshold. This raises the question of whether they’ll be willing to sign more prominent free agents, such as Alonso or Bregman, while also extending Guerrero’s contract without exceeding the tax limits.

For the Red Sox, the situation could play out in their favor. If the Blue Jays focus on extending Guerrero and avoid signing Alonso or Bregman, the Red Sox won’t have to contend with Alonso in the AL East, and they could be one less suitor for Bregman. Additionally, if the Blue Jays make the risky decision to let Guerrero leave, the Red Sox could potentially pursue him in the future.

With spring training on the horizon, Toronto’s decision will have major implications for both teams’ plans in the AL East, while the Red Sox will continue to weigh their options as they prepare for the season.