The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves at a crossroads. While they have the potential to be competitive in a tough division, they could also opt to enter a rebuilding phase. The offseason acquisitions of Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer suggest that Ross Atkins is focused on the present rather than the future. However, questions still linger around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future with the team.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is coming off the best season of his young career and secured a one-year, $28.5 million deal to avoid arbitration. However, he is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Whether the Blue Jays choose to rebuild or remain competitive, current players are strongly advocating for the front office to keep Guerrero in Toronto.

The offseason started slowly for Ross Atkins and the Blue Jays’ front office, with no free-agent signings until outfielder Juan Soto was taken off the market, a significant misstep. There was also speculation that the Blue Jays would sign third baseman Alex Bregman, but he was quickly picked up by division rival Boston. Given the moves made and missed, a long-term extension for Guerrero Jr. now seems like the most logical decision, and his teammates agree.

“Obviously it’s going to be a big deal for us, as a player and teammate, keeping him on this team for many more years,” said starting pitcher Jose Berrios. Shortstop Bo Bichette also weighed in on the importance of staying united with Guerrero. “Vladdy is one of my best friends. We’ve talked about playing together forever since he was 18 and I was 19. That is still a goal of ours,” Bichette added.
Bo Bichette likely won’t stay in Toronto long-term, particularly if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signs a contract worth over $400 million. If the Blue Jays want to lock Guerrero down with an extension, it needs to happen quickly—very quickly. Otherwise, Guerrero could hit the free agent market next offseason, which would likely have a disastrous outcome for the Blue Jays.