The Toronto Blue Jays entered the season with disappointment after failing to secure their target star, Shohei Ohtani. Despite offering him a $700 million deal, Ohtani chose to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. To make matters worse, the Blue Jays had no contingency plan in place. As expected, their season struggled, ending with a 74-88 record at the bottom of the division. Though the team boasted a solid lineup, Bo Bichette also missed half the season due to injuries, further hindering their performance.
But what’s next for the Blue Jays? Instead of rebuilding from scratch, the team is taking a bold approach. They’ve cleared out expired contracts while retaining most of their core roster, aiming to strategically strengthen the team. Their big target? Juan Soto. However, recent reports from Jim Bowden of *The Athletic* suggest the front office might have another surprise in store, and this time it involves Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the face of the franchise.
Will the Toronto Blue Jays trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?
While no official moves have been confirmed, recent reports suggest that the possibility is being seriously considered. The Blue Jays, as they focus on building a more competitive roster, may look to explore trade options for Guerrero Jr. if it helps address gaps, particularly in their farm system or to secure key players like Juan Soto. However, trading the face of the franchise would be a major decision and likely hinge on what the team believes is best for their long-term success.
Jim Bowden of *The Athletic* recently suggested that if contract negotiations with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stall, the Blue Jays might explore trade offers for their star player. Bowden cited an unnamed National League general manager who believes the team could be swayed by the prospect of significant trade returns for Guerrero, especially after free-agent first basemen like Pete Alonso and Christian Walker sign. The GM argues that such a move could provide a valuable boost to the Blue Jays’ farm system, which is in need of top-tier prospects.
While a trade of Guerrero would be a massive decision, the potential return could be substantial. However, given the Blue Jays’ current focus on improving their roster, it’s still unclear whether a trade would materialize. At this stage, a deal involving Guerrero seems unlikely, with other trade options appearing more realistic for the team.