MLB fans can finally breathe easy as the decision is in—Juan Soto is bound for the New York Mets, sealing a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract. For Toronto Blue Jays supporters, this marks yet another missed opportunity, forcing the team to quickly pivot and seek out other lucrative acquisitions that can help elevate their roster.

With the financial flexibility available to them, the Blue Jays must act swiftly to bolster their lineup and avoid the impending rebuild that looms over their future. Luckily, with the dust settling after the Soto sweepstakes, there are still standout players available to help plug the gaps. Here are three critical moves the Blue Jays should execute immediately to get back on track.

1. Lock Up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

While the best-case scenario would have been signing Juan Soto, the Blue Jays now face the pressing need to secure the face of their franchise—Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With both Guerrero and Bo Bichette facing free agency at the end of next season, now is crunch time for the organization. Guerrero has proven himself by finishing in the top six for AL MVP voting twice and making four All-Star appearances. He has the accolades to back it up: two Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove among them.

Guerrero's impressive track record and potential future contributions are undeniable, making it essential to negotiate a long-term deal that keeps him in Toronto for years to come. The recent Soto deal raises the stakes, and the Blue Jays need to show Guerrero they’re committed to building a winning team around him—which may include increasing their offer to entice him to stay.

2. Sign Max Fried to Bolster the Rotation

In addition to strengthening their offense, the Blue Jays must address their pitching staff. Signing Max Fried, a standout left-hander fresh off an impressive run with the Atlanta Braves, would be a massive win. Fried's impressive resume includes multiple All-Star selections, Gold Gloves, and consistent top-tier performance in the Cy Young rankings.

Adding Fried would not only offer the Blue Jays a solid ace to pair with Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios but also provide a necessary left-handed option that the rotation currently lacks. This strategic move would allow the team to reassign Yariel Rodriguez into a role where he can thrive in the bullpen. Fried's experience and durability could be game-changing for a rotation looking to reclaim dominance in the AL East.

3. Bring Back Teoscar Hernandez to Reignite the Offense

Teoscar Hernandez's recent success with the Los Angeles Dodgers makes him a desirable target, but the Blue Jays should seize this moment to reintroduce the power-hitting outfielder back into their lineup. Hernandez excelled during his previous tenure in Toronto, becoming a fan favorite and a vital contributor in the lineup.

With familiarity on both sides and strong ties to current players, bringing Hernandez back could create a potent offensive combination with Guerrero, much like the successful lineups of yesteryear. His ability to crank out home runs to complement the team’s existing power could be just what the Blue Jays need to push deeper into the playoff hunt.

Although this dynamic duo shouldn't be seen as merely extending contracts or re-signing players, the correlation between Guerrero's growth and Hernandez's power hitting could spell a return to glory for the Blue Jays organization. By quickly making these strategic moves, Toronto can shift the narrative, turning disappointment into renewed hope as they aim for a bounce-back in 2025.