I honestly don't think this changes anything with the Jays as far as what Atkins and Shapiro thought going into offseason.
I think Ohtani was on the list for sure as a target, like a dozen teams, and the Jays did make an aggressive push, however, it didn't kick into high gear until he reciprocated interest in the last 2 weeks or so.
So Ohtani was a legitimate bonus/surprise that it got as far as it did, it was a once in a long time bonus shot for a very talented player that they could woo and acquire with cash and lifestyle, one that was willing to entertain the idea of playing for Canada.
Did they miss on Soto in the meantime? Back to reality, no. Would thet have given up what the Yanks did for an unsigned Soto? Doubtful.
As much as I'm tepid on Atkins (Shipro seems to be a good president, able to communicate with Rogers and their money), he better not be desperate because they missed out on a long shot. Just because the fans expectations are high because of the interest Ohtani had and the media whipped fans up into expectations, it would be far too reactionary to be desperate and make a big move just because.
If they fully expected from the day they lost to the Twins that they were signing a top player, and that fell through now, that's different...here it's missing out on someone no one expected them to get at all, so the offseason plans were not contingent on getting Ohtani, or they better not have been.
Nothing will be close to equalling the hype and excitement around Ohtani but the Jays have to get the right mix of players to both make the playoffs and win a 3 game series, at very least. However unsexily that happens with signings or trades in December and January, it has to happen, and will never compare to spending half a billion dollars on one player.
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