To put a bow tie on the Soto thing, SNet article says the Jays didn't ask Vlad to be much a part of the process in trying to lure Soto.
IMO he was one factor that the Jays had that could have any sway for Soto, with funds being the same as others, but Shapiro and co. told Vlad to sit on the bench and not be part of the formal presentation.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article...-of-juan-soto/
I'd think if you're going to spend $750M on a player and competing against multiple clubs, you use all the bullets in the chamber, and he was a big one given the personal relationship they have.
Speaks volumes as to how much they value Vlad it seems.