The Toronto Blue Jays are confronted with a crucial offseason choice. One of their star players has publicly urged the organization to focus on securing an extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rather than pursuing Juan Soto. Guerrero, who remains a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ lineup, is set to earn $29 million through arbitration in the coming years. However, his long-term future with the team is uncertain, as he is slated to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The call to prioritize Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extension highlights his growing importance as both a key player and the face of the Blue Jays’ success. A standout hitter who finished second in MVP voting in 2021 and earned two All-Star selections, Guerrero Jr. combines elite power at the plate with strong leadership, making him an indispensable part of Toronto’s lineup. His contributions are also seen as a driving force behind the team’s return to postseason contention, a view supported by their 30-year-old star pitcher.

In a recent interview with Jarniel Canales of *El Vocero de Puerto Rico*, Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos shared his thoughts on the team’s pursuit of Juan Soto. Berríos acknowledged the excitement of potentially adding Soto, saying, “It would be incredible (to sign Soto), but first we have to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who I understand is the pillar of the team.” He emphasized, “When we sign ‘Vlady,’ we can sign whoever they want. But I think the priority should be Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and then if we add Juan Soto, it would be a perfect world.”

Juan Soto has become a highly coveted player thanks to his exceptional on-base skills and consistent power at the plate. While acquiring him would undoubtedly strengthen the Blue Jays’ lineup, it would also require sacrificing promising young talents and potentially compromising financial flexibility. This internal push to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s tenure with the team highlights a broader challenge for the Blue Jays’ front office, as they weigh the long-term value of Guerrero against the allure of adding a star like Soto.

Retaining Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would offer the Blue Jays long-term stability and continuity, while taking a calculated risk on Juan Soto could yield significant rewards in the future. Now, general manager Ross Atkins finds himself at a crossroads, facing an offseason that could define the team’s trajectory for years to come. Whether the Blue Jays will align with Berríos’ perspective or take a chance on acquiring Soto remains uncertain at this point.

Building a team around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is crucial for the Blue Jays, as his leadership and performance have been instrumental in the team’s success, especially in 2024. With a .286 batting average, 32 home runs, and 102 RBIs, Guerrero led the team in several offensive categories. His 21 game-winning hits played a key role in securing a postseason spot for Toronto, while his durability—playing 158 games—was vital for a team dealing with injuries throughout the season. Amid a year of challenges, Guerrero Jr.’s consistent contributions cemented his role as the team’s backbone.

Off the field, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s leadership was equally impactful as he took an active role in mentoring younger players like Davis Schneider and Addison Barger, helping them adjust quickly to the big leagues. Additionally, his fluency in both English and Spanish allowed him to bridge communication gaps, connecting teammates from diverse backgrounds, such as George Springer and Santiago Espinal. This ability to unite players helped foster a strong sense of camaraderie and team cohesion.

While the allure of adding Juan Soto is certainly tempting, the potential consequences of disrupting team dynamics and losing a cornerstone player like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could be far-reaching. Guerrero’s leadership, consistency, and all-around contributions have made him the backbone of the Blue Jays’ success. Moving forward, the team faces a crucial decision: should they take the risk of trading Guerrero Jr., with its uncertain future impact, or should they focus on locking him down for the long-term success of the franchise? Securing Guerrero’s future would provide the team with a stable foundation, while parting ways with him could introduce significant unknowns that might affect both the team’s competitive window and overall chemistry.