As New Year’s Day draws near, the Toronto Blue Jays are about to enter what could be the most pivotal season in their recent history. While it may sound like an exaggeration, the stakes are undeniably high for the franchise. Superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will become a free agent at the end of the year, and if the Blue Jays are unable to re-sign him, it’s uncertain where the team would go from there.
While it’s always possible that Toronto could surprise everyone and trade Guerrero before he hits free agency, the most probable course of action is that they’ll focus on bolstering the roster in an attempt to secure a playoff spot. Their goal would be to convince Guerrero to commit to a long-term extension. However, the pressure is mounting as they’ve already missed out on top free-agent signings this offseason, adding urgency to their pursuit of roster upgrades.
With most of the big names in free agency already off the board, only a few prominent players remain, and among them, third baseman Alex Bregman stands out as an ideal target for the Blue Jays. Toronto currently lacks a consistent, established player at third base, and Bregman, with his star power and proven track record, could be the player to lift them out of their recent struggles.
On Monday, Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports speculated that Bregman might sign with the Blue Jays on a seven-year, $196 million deal. This would mark the largest contract the team has ever offered a free agent, a significant move that could reshape their future. Kavner pointed out that Bregman’s versatility—he can play both third and second base—would make him an attractive option for any contending team in need of infield help.
Kavner also noted that while teams like the Tigers might be in the running for Bregman’s services, they likely won’t be able to match the Blue Jays’ offer. Toronto, coming off a disappointing 2024 season, may be willing to go the extra mile to secure Bregman’s services in an attempt to rebound and strengthen their roster for the future.
Despite experiencing a slight dip in performance during 2024, Bregman still posted a solid .768 OPS and 4.1 bWAR. These numbers would have made him the second-most valuable hitter on the Blue Jays’ roster, behind only Guerrero himself. Moreover, Bregman is a Gold Glove-caliber player at third base, further adding to his appeal as a complete package.
The question now is whether the Blue Jays will step up and outbid the remaining contenders to secure Bregman’s signature. The outcome of this pursuit could have a profound impact on Guerrero’s decision to stay with the team or seek opportunities elsewhere. The 2024-2025 offseason promises to be a defining moment for Toronto’s future.