Except he wasn’t very good in 22 and 23 and apparently wasn’t thrilled with our offers.
It’s easy to say what we should’ve done in hindsight. Honestly, last offseason we’d all have said Bo is the guy we should’ve had locked up long term.
This management has done a poor job, but Vlad has been an out of shape underperformer for two years and hadn’t earned a giant deal. Had they locked him up after 21 we’d all have applauded them, and then crucified them the following 2 years for overpaying.
He was only made offers after good seasons, the one after 21 was too short to consider (not terrible for money), then the Jays waited until now.
Vlad and Soto are two of the (if not the) youngest players to hit free agency since A-Rod. The offer in 2021 would only have covered 3 more years (and would have involved paying him every penny he's made so far).
It's easy to say that 340 isn't going to work, because Vlad isn't looking for 10 years (he's likely looking for 13 or 14). The same would be true of Bo. Both should be paid, both should have been paid, and both will make a lot.
Being able to say the contract is too big requires better options (like an actual farm system).