Why NOBODY Seems To Want To Sign With The Blue Jays

[@Chim__Richalds]

Management ruined the team. I ditched them to be a free agent.

[@probablyrobert9924]

Sign with the yankees

[@warlordop713]

Who are you? 😂

[@Chim__Richalds]

@@warlordop713 just a guy

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@Chim__Richalds Jordan Romano, is that you?

[@Silent_E749]

That’s Ron Burgundy! You can’t fool me Ron lol

[@paulboyle3196]

Man I'm canadian and I learned more about our tax system from this video than I ever have

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@paulboyle3196 this is why watching KZbin is better than going to school.

[@taylorgordon2696]

lol common bro why do you think nhl players don’t all want to sign in Canada? Taxes

[@noodie75]

Crazy how people ignore that taxes are higher in New York City than Toronto. Where did Soto end up signing again. Most baseball players didn't really graduate high school I don't listen to their thoughts on tax structure.

[@chinoavila9495]

No one wants to get double taxed

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@@noodie75 Federal taxes are also a thing. Soto is saving an F TON of money staying in the US instead of blackfaced buffoon land!

[@RonFromToronto]

Jays fan here. The Jays' Front Office has been EXTREMELY imprudent. I wrote off this competitive window as of the end of this past April. It was obvious that this window is a bust. At the time the situation: 1) Springer continued to flounder as he had been doing for like 1.5 seasons straight at that point; 2) Romano was doing terrible; 3) Swanson - see Romano; 4) Bo was doing terrible; 5) the entire offense was so bad that our starters had to give up fewer than 2 runs just to have a 50% chance of the team winning; 6) at the time Vladdy's post 2021 regression was continuing only at doubled-speed, and nevertheless, he was still laughing and joking around; 7) KK was doing bad w/ the bat; 8) Our manager, Schneider, was continuing to regularly make highly questionable managerial decisions, 9) Davis Schneider fully came back down to earth, 10) Manoah was a question mark at best, 11) Gausman was underperforming. On top of all of this, our farm system was garbage, our payroll was high, The Orioles & Yanks were doing great, all of a sudden the AL Central was in serious play for a wildcard spot.... There was no good reason to not seriously open up the roster for trades. More than they actually did. I personally was amenable to either keeping or moving Vlad. But players like Gausman and Bassitt should have been made available. The Jays NOT going on a more aggressive sell off Summer 2024 probably put our next competitive window back at least 1 year, maybe 2. Them continuing to double down now risks delaying it another year or two. Had they traded more of their high end players for high end prospects and players in their 1st and 2nd year in the bigs last summer and continued it this winter, they could possibly have been ready to seriously compete again by 2027 w/ a new 5 year window. Heck, they could have possibly competed for a 3rd Wild Card slot in 2026. They've delayed things a good 2 years, if not 3-4. What's the best reasonable case scenario for the Jays in 2025 if they try to go for it one more time? MAYBE they manage to eke out a 3rd wildcard spot and then, in pretty much all likelihood, don't make it to the ALCS. Even what I'm saying right now is easily mockable as being unrealistically positive. They're being irresponsible. My hope is that all these snubs will FORCE the team to throw in the towel for 2025 and put their focus exclusively on 2027 and afterward, w/ 2027 really just being the functional equivalent of 2020 for the Jays -- if we make it to the playoffs, GREAT. but no expectations, and definitely no expectations beyond simply getting in. The only players I'd want the Jays acquiring now (aside from prospects and 1st and 2nd year players) are lower-cost, higher upside reclamation projects like Marcus Semien a few years ago, and relievers. Translation: players we can trade mid season to contenders for more prospects and 1st-2nd year players. Again, the focus remains on 2027 and afterward (primarily afterward). We do this, and the hope is that from like 2028-2033, we're contenders (with the real all-in years being like 2029-33).

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

That’s it alright. I hate it.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

Just an outsider perspective but I always assumed they wouldn’t be a team to worry about because I got the vibe their clubhouse was a major problem. Granted they were young but I got the sense having two guys as stars whose dads were big in the show was part of the problem. Obviously kids of stars can be great but I suspect for some of them they have the assumption they’re going to be great and don’t have to work as hard to maintain nor improve. Again this could be way off but I assumed a team built around Bo & Vlad jr without the leadership of someone on the team as good or better than them was unlikely to succeed. They’ll have their stretches but long term team success not so much.

[@kermitfrog593]

Edit, please.

[@KyleClarke-b2h]

Canada is trash

[@BenjaminDaCunha-ys8ty]

I feel sorry for you believing 2027 is even realistic.

[@AndrewSchrik]

It’s because of Ross atkins

[@derekconstantino7759]

Justin trudeau*

[@turboturtle9083]

Definitely shatkins, he ruined Cleveland and now ruined Toronto . No one wants to sign with a loser. Get rid of shatkins and we have a chance.

[@NukesOfHazzard]

Shapiro is the one pulling the strings. Atkins is just his puppet.

[@billyskittles1036]

Trudeau is a good guy. I don’t understand how Canadians don’t understand how good they have it. Have you been paying attention to the dumpster fire here in America? Be thankful, Canadians.

[@DinnerBells]

@@billyskittles1036do you live in Canada? Are you aware of how Trudeau’s own party is calling for his resignation?

[@cusernament]

This is my hometown team and go to a lot of games every year. The crowd is always great on the weekend, even when we aren't playoff contenders. It's a big shame. Toronto loves the Jays.

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@cusernament if anything I think a lot of the front offices persuasion comes from Toronto being a great city and playing for a whole country. That isn’t what’s important to players tho.

[@Smouse168]

Feel for you breh. Wish you luck

[@wildmyke]

Oooo the crowds thin out real quick when we’re not contenders. I remember the dark ages in the early 2000s after years in the AL east basement. My love of the jays was the reason I couldn’t bring myself to attend a game this season.

[@lockyer72]

That's one of the problems right there, people continue to go to the games whether they lose or win

[@DinnerBells]

@@cusernament used to go to at least a dozen games a year…now I’m lucky if I go to one or two…

[@KolossusB]

John Tavares of the NHL's Maple Leafs is also going through a years long lawsuit with the CRA as well. They're making it very difficult for any pro athlete to want to play here.

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@KolossusB maybe Canada just shouldn’t have sports teams.

[@Rob-vc6xw]

Much like the CRA, The IRS is one of the incompetent bureaucracies on planet earth. Athletes in America routinely get into disputes with the IRS. I bet there is at least one athlete on every American sports team who has had some type of tax issue with the IRS. I would suspect Tavares, Donaldson and Martin all either need better tax accountants, or they have made their financial situation deliberately complicated to either outright try and avoid taxes, or give the appearance of trying to avoid taxes. What would you rather have, a Tax system that lets wealthy people and pro athletes do whatever they want and skip on taxes while regular people pay them. Or one where people with shady financial situations gets properly investigated for the sketchy and negligent things they do. Even if Donaldson, Martin were right and won their cases, that does not mean the CRA was 100% wrong for looking into it, if indeed there was the appearance of a tax related crime taking place. It is really no different than investigating someone for stealing a car, only to have the case dismissed by a judge for some reason or another. It wouldn't necessarily mean the cops were stupid, and you probably wouldn't be mad at them for striking out everyone once in a while on a criminal investigation.

[@Rob-vc6xw]

@@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi well other than the NHL it basically doesn't have sports team. And any NHL teams that are not profitable are moved to an American city as soon as one is found to take them. So your not exactly coming in with a hot take here. The market has spoken fairly clearly about this issue.

[@djwingham1]

@Rob-vc6xw IRS isn't near as incompetent as CRA. Just look at the employee total of IRS vs country population and compare that to CRA and canada. IRS there around 92000 emploees to serve a US population of nearly 400 million. CRA has 60000 employees to serve a population of only 40 million. Oh and a good majority of those 60000 employees are lazy and get to work from home most of the week. The Canadian government made them be required to come into the office at least 2 days a week and they wanted to go on strike because of that.

[@Rob-vc6xw]

@@djwingham1 Nothing you have said about the CRA surprises me, because they are in fact a bunch of idiots. Having said that, I stand by my point that sometimes you gotta look into a wealthy person's taxes if they look shady, and sometimes you get it wrong, that's not the end of the world. If that wealthy person has non traditional job like an athlete and they travel a lot, they are exposed to more tax issues and have higher likelihood of being audited, that just the way it is. Also, I will agree with you that given that the IRS is massively under resourced, it is a miracle anything gets done at all. But let's be real, the IRS could do better, and they screw things up all the time, and there could be a hundred youtube videos about this athlete or that athlete having tax issues for one reason or another. The history of pro athletes and bad financial advice/tax problems is an extremely long one.

[@dylanmartinez8430]

Our ownership is pathetic, we go after stars while our own stars are not even signed long term. I don’t blame players not wanting to play here

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@dylanmartinez8430 When you’re owned by a telecom company, don’t ever expect success.

[@deathmetal11111]

The problem is that our "stars" - Guerrero and Bichette - aren't that good and certainly not worth the contracts they will demand. However, the front office IS pathetic for many other very valid reasons. Just not this one. And I know someone is going to get offended about my statement about Vlad. Yes he's a good hitter. He was also the worst baserunner last year in the league, literally last place even below Kirk, and adds nothing on defense. For him to earn a $300+ million contract, he would have to hit like Ted Williams or Babe Ruth.

[@keearun]

You can also blame atkins and shapiro for not offering contract extensions to their 2 star players years ago. They waited too long and now have to overpay.

[@fidelity52]

Or, bettr still, let highly overated Bo & Vladdy go while they are still tradable. That may end very shortly.

[@SakAttack87]

I can see the tax situation definitely being a factor, but the main thing has to be the question marks around the team itself. The Jays looked like one of the most dangeous teams in 2021 when they barely missed out on the playoffs and have regressed ever since. Now you add in the uncertainty of a cornerstone talent like Vlad resigning and there is now the possibility that this franchise is staring at a rebuild which could absolutely scare away potential FA especially when there are other options available who appear better fit to compete in the foreseeable future.

[@DarkJediForce]

Do you know how much the tax rate is? For pro-athletes it's 15% in Canada, it's 14.4% in California. It's not the tax rate, but the that's what the uninformed think. Just like they think the PM controls the CRA.

[@kermitfrog593]

The Jays had the chance early on to sign Bo and Vlad long term for 450 million. Now they may not even get Vlad for that. Bad management.

[@SakAttack87]

@kermitfrog593 Exactly. If a star like Vlad has one foot out the door, what else about that team is enticing?

[@kermitfrog593]

@@SakAttack87 They should let him walk. They won't be competitive for a while and will waste him like Carlos Delgado. Get multiple pieces for him.

[@Mr1stcat]

It's the front office the coaching staff and the manager as someone looking at the blue Jays from the outside in they just seem to lack that killer instinct

[@nickuber2573]

No, it's the country being a liberal commie hell hole

[@itsaaa9758]

Nailed it, in our last 2 WC appearances they just came out flat, went belly up, no sense of urgency, no fire, we are due for a re-tooling front office-wise and roster-wise

[@bigpictureguys8415]

They’re all at fault but any evaluation of performance that doesn’t heavily put responsibility on the players is misguided. Players are the ones on the field

[@timmy2v]

Hearing rumors: The Jay's may be going after: 1-Time Dodger Legend Brent Honeywell Jr. 10-Years, and a 50$ Tim Hortons Gift Card To avoid Taxes.

[@SO-if3yn]

49$ of the gift card deferred. 1$ per year starting 2038

[@GameinHistory]

Blue Jays can throw all the money they want, but no one’s biting. Bad taxes, a shaky roster, and no vision for the future it’s no wonder players are choosing literally anyone else...

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@GameinHistory anyone with foresight could have seen this. We dug our own hole. Maybe if we had somewhat of stability players could ignore taxes, but that is the straw that breaks the camels back. People won’t just be swayed by Toronto being a nice city and the thought of playing for a country.

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi I miss the early 90s the Jays of Toronto was the place to be

[@GameinHistory]

@@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi Exactly... players want stability and a clear path to winning. Taxes and location can be overlooked if there’s a strong vision, but without that, it’s hard to attract top talent. The Jays need to fix the foundation first.

[@harryparsons2750]

Don’t forget the wannabe dictator Trudeau who once said he wished he could do what the Chinese Communist Party does.

[@bradiethomson9555]

Some American teams have the same taxes as in Canada

[@lordbacon4972]

It's Atkins. He had his window with Guerrero and Bichette, but he didn't go all-in and now that window is gone and he couldn't sign Ohtani or Soto because the team is the suck, so of course nobody wants to play here. Atkins is way too frugal to sign anyone and it's not even his money.

[@SportsSharp412]

Umm... taxes? Duh..

[@littlejim13]

Ding Ding Ding

[@marioyakir5486]

It appears that the organization could benefit from implementing deferrals.😁

[@HP0134]

Yet universal healthcare and other benefits but these guys are rich so who cares 🤷‍♂️

[@Tokenblackguru101]

And International Indian Students too. Is like India 2.0 now living in Toronto

[@deftone330]

@@Tokenblackguru101 every major Canadian city is like that now

[@wildmyke]

NOW it’s a scary time for blue jays fans! (Does that comment work better for this video italk?) We signed a whole bunch of big names when AA was captain of this ship. Atkins and Shapiro have squandered our best draft class and now no one wants to play with us. Remember when they said the deadline sell offs were going to make us competitive for the ‘25 season? 😅 A couple extra bucks will never be worth more than rings. Hard times ahead for the blue birds.

[@77Cardinal]

It's the organizations scatterbrained "priorities". Can't even list all the trades they now regret.

[@gregthegroove]

Here’s the problem in SF: 1. Cost of living is INSANE. TAXES ARE INSANE IN CA. 2. It’s cold AF in the summer in SF and foggy 5 of the 7 days. The fall/winter months are literally warmer. 3. The park is huge. Pitchers park no doubt. 4. I don’t understand Left power hitters problems. The park is built for a lefty (Bonds? Hello?). Shohei would’ve hit way more bombs in SF than anywhere perhaps than Coors Field/Boston in the RF short corner there.

[@LilMacYT]

as a blue jays fan, everything just hurts 🙂👍

[@vstitanic8218]

Amen

[@mgasolprodz33]

Real

[@a18yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

@@LilMacYT same

[@fabio40]

Rogers HAS to fire Atkins and Shapiro

[@zeroxxuit2035]

i remember when that 59% of viewers not subscribed was closer to 90% good for u bro !

[@seanmuir9594]

As an Angels fan, Toronto seems to be the Angels of the East (although better, but how hard is that). Toronto has a management problem and a Canadian tax problem, compared to the Angels' worst management and CA tax problems. Every team in CA is worth playing for because of playoff potential except the Angels. Toronto now has that problem too. They still are far above the Angels but that's not much of a compliment.

[@Ezel_00]

seriously though, that plane situation was wild. I've never seen news coverage on a player be so confused at that level.

[@kermitfrog593]

7 minute video and you left out management? You didn't do your research. Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins are known by the portmanteau "Shatkins." They are politely smug and quietly disliked by players. A reporter told Shapiro at the year-end press conference that her source, a player, (*cough*, Chris Bassett?) said the clubhouse is an "effing shitshow." Mark's response was predictably smug.

[@johnsummerhill8323]

Burhle, Donaldson, Bautista and Martin all going through issues with the CRA will be enough to keep players from wanting to play in Canada.

[@adammoke8949]

The Leafs and Raptors have a hard time signing players because of taxes and the travel between Canada and the US.

[@xLeafs2012x]

Taxes most definitely, but i would imagine the CRA going after one of the last big free agents (NHL John Tavares) for upwords of 8 million in back taxes (differemt opinions on contract bonuses from what i understand) would deter a lot of star athletes.

[@Publiclighthouse]

I’m don’t watch the Blue Jays, but I’m wondering - Is VGJr worth $400M -$500M over 12+ years? Is he that “generational” hitter Soto is? He had a resurgence in 2024 after two average years prior. Like most FAs in a contract year, he’s expected to have a monster season and I’m wondering if those seasons will be a mirage of what he does in the future? Is he a guy who’s constantly working to be better? Is he a good leader and influence in up & coming young players? Because for that kind of money, it would suck for any team to invest and have someone who was not comfortable enough or had initiative to take a leadership role.

[@fidelity52]

Getting rid of over-rated Guererrro could be a start. He is a problem.

[@Jay-np3hx]

The Toronto Raptors also face similar issues when attempting to recruit FAs.

[@sharpshooter012345]

I think it's worth mentioning that many of these players consider their family as a #1 priority when signing. Also, toronto is not what it used to be 20+ years ago.

[@vlada]

20yrs ago (and now) you couldn't get an NBA player to go to Toronto freely. Vancouver Grizzlies was even worse, the first pick refused to show up. This problem has existed for a long time

[@user-km5qm2qo2w]

@@sharpshooter012345 that’s because some players are idiots and think Canada and specifically Toronto is covered in snow 11 months of the year. The US education failed them as we have the same weather as New York, Boston, etc.

[@connorisgrab4386]

big jays fan, can't blame any players who dont want to play here for many reasons, but it hurts the same every time

[@PopOutPaulie]

Corbin already having a home in Arizona with his family probably played the biggest part in him going there. I wouldn't be surprised if Corbin actually reached out to the Dbacks to let them know how interested he was in going there

[@josejohnson9732]

I’m a Phillies fan and I have been dreaming about vladdy playing in Philly for years

[@digiblader1]

Nobody wants to sign with Baltimore or Boston either - both need help, but free agents are spurning both teams, along with Toronto.

[@Yankeesbetterthanmets]

The orioles got Tyler O’Neill and Boston got walker buehler

[@digiblader1]

@@Yankeesbetterthanmets O's need more than that - their rotation is far short of what's needed to contend. And the Red Sox need another RH bat and/or a 3B.

[@samuelsandate9804]

​@@YankeesbetterthanmetsMad who else? Walker only signed a 1 year deal. I think we're saying nobody wants to commit to Boston long term. They're not a playoff team yet.

[@alwayslovo]

Ik they’re tryna be competitive but I would just sell off Vladdy and Bo. Get that farm system back up

[@Flexb123]

You mean competitive in 4-5 years then

[@stevenhattrick9495]

Toronto has signed multiple marquee free agents the last 5 years. The reason they haven’t signed stars the last 2 years is their offers haven’t been the highest bid. Free agents have signed with the A’s and White Sox, so while taxes, path to winning, consistency, vision, etc. are factors, 96% of the decision is where they get paid the most.

[@dannyevilcat]

I'm Canadian, and Trudeau has tanked this country. It sucks here now, so anyone who has any options anywhere else should take them.

[@rawkurface]

Stay strong my brother statehood is coming.

[@turbokid99]

yep... playing for 'canada' is essentially like playing for INDIA, or SOMOLIA..there are no white ppl left, and the only ones who are white ARE the ones who actually go to the jays games as the immigrants do not support white sports teams or white restaurants etc....might as well start wearing a Turban or Burka if u sign w/ the jays

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@@rawkurface lol

[@iggy1963]

Oh please. The blame everything on Trudeau bit is sooo old. Get some new material ffs lol

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@@iggy1963 you want fictional reasons why canada is trashed?!

[@dannydevito2989]

Taxes are number one in terms of reason. But I will say this. For years this team has used being in on everybody as a “marketing” tactic. They are owned by the only sports media company in Canada, which allows them to talk about it on radio, create buzz without actually being serious. There’s no other media out there to call them out here in Canada, so that’s what we get

[@dannyarroway4187]

100% correct!

[@eastewoode9157]

Bingo.

[@stevenhattrick9495]

The way it works is they make money by selling ads. They get more ad revenue when people click, like, subscribe, etc. So the people responsible for all these articles is you, and the public in general. Plus most of these free agent interest articles originate from US media.

[@dannydevito2989]

@ I think you completely missed the point of explaining how they fake buzz to get people to interact in the ways you explained. Nice try though

[@jtfritz9169]

Because of Justin Trudeau

[@Markmen-cw8dj]

He bouta be gone

[@JamesBond77]

@@Markmen-cw8djI cannot wait for us to get rid of that guy.

[@nickuber2573]

Still doesnt change canada is still a commie hell hole. The damage has been done.​@@JamesBond77

[@PhdflopperTommy]

That’s what I’m saying

[@finalfantasy1912]

He definitely doesn't help Canadians at all. Makes Biden look decent by comparison.

[@danieljd6776]

Players hate going through customs every time they cross the border. This has also been the main reason why The Raptors can't sign big name free agents.

[@willybe6427]

Taxes…. Each game is taxed differently. And resident vs non-resident players are taxed differently. A Canadian resident would be taxed on everything they do for the team. I.e. practices, photoshoots, games, and such. A non resident only gets taxed in Canada on the work they do in Canada. So move to Canada and become a resident and get a significantly higher tax taken out of your pay, or stay a non-resident and deal with different tax brackets for every game and then on top of that the retirement compensation agreement would take a higher % of tax if you remain a nonresident.

[@scotttild]

There are a lot to issues with sports teams in Canada taxes are one, you get taxed a different rate for overseas income. You also earn money in Canada dollars but get paid in U.S dollars. It is more complicated then most people think about.

[@javerstubbs7809]

It’s a great hitters park so pitchers will reliant and when you’re two star players are trying to get out of there, because you’re career could be shortened playing on that surface

[@sladesurfer]

but for non Canadian Athletes, Immigration is such a hassle when doing home games

[@devofrik4945]

Nothing like Arson Judge in SF

[@taesaes701]

I appreciate you making this video. Really summed up how Jays fans are feeling. I hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel this year, but I doubt it.

[@stormthedesert1162]

While the Canadian Government is a disaster, deals are in USD. But it comes down to management, theyve treated thier star players like crap, and never learn from thier previous mistakes. Taking players to arbitration over penies, to offering thier players what is basically insulting contract extensions. Its inexcusable the way Atkins and Shapiro have run this team given the budget and resources given to them, and everyone knows it. Jays are screwed until they're gone.

[@bipedalame]

4 Glasgow bhoys going to a game in August vs Minnesota. Gonna be a blast. Oasis and Blue Jays

[@mathewlee5712]

California and New York are heavily taxed too, but they don't seem to have a hard time signing high profile free agents. I see a similar issues with the Raptors. and slightly similar issues with Canadian NHL franchises. For a lot of non Canadians, they view playing in Canada as a very very foreign country where they'll have a hard time to adapt.

[@willybe6427]

It’s the taxes and the athletes pension plan aka the retirement compensation arrangements. So many former blue jays have been in lawsuits with the Canada revenue agency over it.

[@somedude1901]

Honestly it’s never been weird to me until right now, but how strange to have a competitive sports league with only 1 single team based outside of the country.

[@__blessings__]

1) taxes 2) go through customs each time 3) bad travel 4) complete loser gov 5) no American wants to play there

[@JamesAvila-xu7ds]

@@scottmoreau5630taxes

[@petercena9497]

Justin Trudeau

[@Kiddingyoumust]

​@@scottmoreau5630 One is fairly popular and the other's popularity is at an all time low... so yeah yeah I think most american would rather play in a country with trump than trudeau.

[@1618Cyrano]

@@Kiddingyoumust lmao its cringe you think trump factors at all into their decision

[@joe-ontario]

If a player likes trump he can stay away. For that matter players that like trump should be deported from Canada.

[@mikeyliberti4137]

I think for Corbin Burnes it was more about wanting to go home to Arizona than not playing in Canada. Pretty sure Baltimore also offered higher than Arizona

[@jeffchisamore1556]

Other than the taxes, fans already understood what the problem is. Starts at the top, filters down... No amount of money is worth anything if a team can't organize enough to be a contender.

[@matvail2002]

A few reasons why this is happening right now. I am a Jays fan and I agree it's horrible. -Management is dysfunctional. The front office and the field manager make some bad decisions. This is not good for attracting free agents. The Jays attracted some free agents in the past. -A unique issue is that the Jays is that they make their receipts in Canadian dollars which is *very weak* right now and you cannot charge prices that are 30% higher in nominal terms than in the US because you would lose fans. And contracts for players and high-ranking staff need to be in US dollars. -The Canadian tax system is brutal for pro athletes, and Toronto is not NYC or LA in terms of weather/advertising opportunities or glamour. You basically have a San Francisco cost of living with weather like Cleveland (even if the Jays play in a retractable stadium). Almost every Canadian pro team need to give a ''bonus'' to players, and it's brutal for NHL teams that are under a hard salary cap.

[@WW3_Soon]

Struck out twice (Othani and Soto) and not re-signing Vlad Jr. with the money not used to give him a comparable gigantic deal.

[@grifterwannabe836]

Taxes are the main issue. Another is the exchange rate. Even though they are a major market city, they can’t compete that way. That has been another issue that has been plaguing the Canadian NHL teams for years. They have to come up with another 20-30% overpay for their market just to make up the exchange rate difference.

[@jakobhallam1540]

You realize the salaries are in USD right…

[@scotttild]

@@jakobhallam1540But they earn money in Canada dollars but are paid in U.S dollars. Complicated and most teams in Canada have to overpay players to make up for the exchange rate. Also why a lot of teams in Canada fail. That and the fact that the local TV contracts are not great v the US teams. Again all very complicated. Also a reason why you don’t see the NFL and others expanding in Canada at all.

[@DonaldMains]

Salaries are all in USD. The exchange rate has nothing to do with it.

[@toriliu9090]

Jays wills need to follow the playbook of the Brewers, Guardians and the Rays.

[@shaun9184]

raptors have the same issue

[@paulmoshenko3674]

As a torontonian we don't know how to management, to many sports stations always bitching about players being bad and taxes. The only thing Toronto has is a fan base.

[@showcaseSampa]

You can't control GSTs . So don't use as an excuse. Get rid of the Astro Turf. That alone shortens a field player's career. They need better pitching for as long as I can remember. Need to do in house development. Stars bring in fans to the seats. A balanced roster produce wins. Shapiro should know this.

[@Batmanisbestpony]

Exactly, the artificial turf is another reason why no one likes playing in Toronto.

[@stevenhattrick9495]

No team has had Astro turf in about 20 years. The newest artificial surfaces don’t shorten anyone’s career and makes almost no difference in free agency.

[@showcaseSampa]

@@stevenhattrick9495 Ok. I will take your word for it. Maybe at some point you might want to explain how the new system works, if not to ask much. thx

[@lindamorton2066]

If Bo and Vladdy are traded the only time I will watch a Jays game will be when Bo and Vladdy are playing against the Jays. Will never go to another Jays game while Atkins and Shipiro are involved with the team.

[@ryanfromthecharley3800]

The MLB should let the Jays offset the higher taxes with higher pay that does not count towards the luxury tax

[@DonaldMains]

NO. Taxes aren't all that of much higher than New York or California.

[@Not_Sal]

Say all you want about the taxes and the Canada factor, but the fact of the matter is the organization has been quite incompetent and failed to capitalize on their young talents from the late 2010s and early 2020s

[@philmason9653]

Does the same problem extend to the farm system? Like do younger players not want to enter it?

[@heyjim52]

Seattle same issue bad ownership (or should I say cheap) it's a tough place to hit and they won't solve some of the issues. They will come up short again this year with what star players they have wanting out like Cal Raleigh and perhaps Julio Rodriguez but that should make the Jay fans happy as they will have an easier time beating the Mariners at T Mobile.

[@DonaldMains]

Seattle is all bad management. Its actually an attractive destination because of no state income tax.

[@wandryparrapadilla2471]

If you watch the spanish interview of vladdy there is a big different on vladdys opinion before and after he went to salary arbitration. Before that it just to be "I love here and id love to stay", now is "I learned that this is a business". They messed up when they send him to arbitration.

[@masterbaiters1183]

The organization tanked all the promise the team had from the rebuild…

[@stevesam7983]

The Shapiro era has seen a lot of resources and money spent on upgrading the facilities in Dunedin and Skydome. But not so much in developing the talent in the farm system and in the Major League roster. What top free agent would sign when there doesn't appear to be any path for the team to even make the post season. They left it too late to extend Bo and Vladdy to the point they will have to pay a lot more for them to re-sign... provided that they are even willing to stay.

[@markvicferrer]

Some just don't want to be so far from home.

[@hateusernames2]

Can't help but to feel sorry for the Jays

[@upcomingexpat]

Dude mentioned the 92 and 93 World Series 😂

[@sidgluckman2471]

Blue Jays front office: Here's the topper. Along with the Yankees, we are the only team with back-to-back wins. Player: Sign me up

[@wsmokr]

​@@sidgluckman2471False statement,Cincinatti Reds won in 75 and 76,Oakland A's won 3 in a row72,73,74.NY Giants won in 1921 and 1922,Boston Red Sox 1915and 1916,Chicago Cubs 1907 and 1908.Philadelphia A's 1929 and 1930,Philadelphia A's 1910 and 1911.So a couple of other teams besides the Yankees and Blue Jays have won back to back titles

[@wsmokr]

​@@sidgluckman2471False statement,Cincinatti Reds won in 75 and 76,Oakland A's won 3 in a row72,73,74.NY Giants won in 1921 and 1922,Boston Red Sox 1915and 1916,Chicago Cubs 1907 and 1908.Philadelphia A's 1929 and 1930,Philadelphia A's 1910 and 1911.So a couple of other teams besides the Yankees and Blue Jays have won back to back titles

[@muradsaeedHockey]

Right now it has a lot to do with the current state of the team. They're coming off 3 disappointing seasons (with last year being near the bottom of the league), an incompetent front office with 0 clue on what it's doing, Vlad & Bo might leave after this season on top of having one of the worst farm systems. Why would any star player who wants to win come into this situation where the team might be in full rebuild mode after this year?

[@fidelity52]

Get rid of Bo and Vladdy NOW1

[@DoubleG7793]

The Maple Leafs suck and they have a die hard following lol

[@stevenhattrick9495]

That makes almost no difference. The A’s and White Sox have signed free agents and they have much less chance of winning the next 3 years.

[@bdbdkdfotbrveiw]

As a Canadian, the people blaming Trudeau instead of the Jay's front office is asinine😂 Trudeau sucks but has fuck all to do with the Jay's

[@deftone330]

@@bdbdkdfotbrveiw no but he has everything to do with out of control immigration, never ending tax increases, and tanking our economy

[@patrickfoley7081]

I remember when you were at 28-29% asking for people to follow. Proof that that you're making great content! You've got the pulse of fans.

[@charzardboi8805]

As a jays fan I can sadly say this is true they always are rumoured to get the star free agent and always are second or third in the race

[@PhdflopperTommy]

As a blue jays fan watching this team crumble makes me want to become a full time Padres fan

[@greendayrock]

As long as my hometown team remains under the exact same ownership (Rogers) and front office (Shapiro & Atkins), we're gonna be irrelevant for a very long time!

[@DavidN-fy1bf]

Very cool stadium. I've been there 2×

[@mr.c.2888]

Jonh Tavares is having the same tax problems in the NHL with Toronto

[@362chop]

I’m not buying. Management talks a big game but if they were truly in on Soto they should have gone $800+. That would have bagged him. If they were serious about Vlad they needed to overpay like 2 years ago.

[@RR-fg2rl]

Quebec Nordics had same problem and had to move to Colorado, Lindros wouldn't go when drafted

[@andrewphilips2457]

That was because the owner made lewd remarks about his Mom. Respect Eric for standing on his principles about that. Was never about money or location.

[@RR-fg2rl]

@andrewphilips2457 owner was hated in Quebec also for being cheap

[@christopherortiz9330]

I have a theory no one's talking about........ They're Canadian.

[@GregHammer-f6n]

Yeah...taxes! Most Americans really hate taxes, obsessively so, we tend not to see taxes as an investment toward improving our states and country, unfortunately and to the detriment of our country as a whole.

[@PDQkevin77]

Big contract players will go to NYC or CA because they can make up the money they lose in taxes and cost of living with so many more promotional opportunities.

[@MorganBurton]

Players also hate going though customs all the time.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

Two words - Covid restrictions People didnt forget And dont think that this is just MLB. Tkachuk and Gaudreau left Calgary. Kawai left after winning a title with the Raptors. Its not just Toronto and its not just baseball.

[@fredklein3829]

You can't get past the first ten seconds without stereotypes and I can't get past you.

[@Gordie-v7n]

If you sign in Toronto you can pretty much kiss goodbye endorsements coming your way…..when you go to the ESPN web page the Blue Jays are nowhere to be found - unless they are playing the Yankees or Red Sox you would under the impression they do not exist

[@djh820]

Can’t lie, seems kinda sad bro that front office is trying their best.

[@samuelw74]

Oh i remember was montreal expo was doing great and than the baseball league when on a strike

[@a.a677]

I still laugh thinking about the Ohtani jet tracker 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeremypridham2476]

As long as fans fill the seats, no changes will be made

[@dfaull7409]

I miss anthopolous 😢

[@GrumpyTV12]

I believe that the reason players do not sign with the Blue Jays currently is because of the management (front office and owners). Taxes and other extra costs can always be overcome with higher offers in contracts. The highest factor is the commitment by management to the team. When the "stars" were under contract for "term" other star players were willing to sign with the Jays. Now what "free agent" want nto sign long term with a team and their stars when those stars could be gone in free agency in 1 or 2 years. I believe that the owners "Rogers" only want to make as much money as possible and winning becomes secondary to profit. Honestly if you were a free agent, would you choose a team where the main core that helps make them a contender might be gone shortly. Not me, I would choose a stable base, i have earned that with my free agency

[@tonyv8450]

It's....... cold. Baseball is acwarm weather sport

[@DonaldMains]

It won't cold May through September, in fact it can be downright hot.

[@shaggyfilth7343]

Taxes are def the biggest reason. Even the worst taxed states in the US are desirable areas like California.

[@zqrahll]

Taxes aren't just worse in Canada, they're much, much worse than even states like California with massive taxes.

[@pb3]

Ontario where Toronto is located has a margin tax on 100k and over of 43.2% in California it’s 42.6%

[@supag4757]

Jays ownership and management have a stink on them. Players are upset and probably telling others its a bad situation. Bo and Vlad are going to leave.

[@BALLCAPSports]

I can save everyone 7 minutes…it’s because their 2 best players are free agents after the 2025 season, which fuels doubt over the chance to win and succeed. It’s not taxes, it’s not any of overplayed fashionable excuses, it’s because those 2 aren’t signed. End of story.

[@davebank3218]

The fact the Jays haven't even offered around the 500 million mark to Vladdy when the top free agents are well over that mark is the most glaring mistake upper management is making. They know what the value of the market is and what they need to offer. Instead, they throw a dart and fall way short. Personally, I feel the team has more holes than Swiss cheese. Unless we get another solid ace and a couple of our pitching prospects pan out, we're not as strong as we need to be. Finding a bat that makes sense is another task. Vladdy has seen the Brink truck being offered to some of the best names of the game. Vladdy, when it comes to his bat could be considered top 5 in the whole league. Plus, he's no slouch at 1st either. This team has drama ripping through the clubhouse. Can't see them extending Bichette. Didn't think they were ready to compete last year, and this year looks worse. I couldn't imagine how bad the team would look without Vladdy, but I think it's the path that's unfortunately coming. How do you sell a team to your star when you undervalue him at the table and don't give him the support for success. It's not like the Jays aren't trying, but how the hell do you out glam LA or NY? Throw buckets of $$$ at players. This system is flawed when there's so many holes. I don't want to lose Vladdy, but what can he get you in a package? Surely you could gut some team's prospects and still get some solid utility players. How about Bichette? What's his value... Unless the Jays double down and get Vladdy's agent to the table and get him signed to whatever figure, I think they need to fully blow this up and get whatever haul they can for our roster. I'd rather see fresh arms, fresh bats, new stories, some early draft picks, and an understanding of the direction of the franchise; then to watch a us muck around for another season with dread of watching the team crumble from the start of training camp with the knowledge that everyone is walking away to free agency and we got nothing in return. That would be total failure for me.

[@kingdom7777777]

There are many reasons. First of all, for an American to play for Toronto, you will need to open up a Canadian bank account and have a bunch of Canadian based accounts that is just a headache most top level players would just rather not deal with. Next is their family situation. Its one thing for a player to uproot his family to move states, its a whole different can of worms for them to move countries. The taxes are brutal in Canada, specially if you are coming for the US. Then on top of that, the cost of living is crazy in Toronto while not exactly being the safest place to play. There are a lot of annoying things you have to deal with, so if a free agent has two identical offers they would likely see hurdles playing for Toronto as a tiebreaker. Which means if the Jays want these top guys they are likely going to have to overpay for them.

[@JimmyJamJack]

Toronto is unsafe compared to US cities? Are you joking????