MLB Rumors: Vlad Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays Not Close on New Contract amid Trade Buzz

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJuly 17, 2024

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The Toronto Blue Jays figure to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch ahead of the July 30 MLB trade deadline, which makes Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future with the team something of a question mark.

And the two sides reportedly have plenty of ground to cover if they are going to agree on a contract extension with that as the backdrop.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Tuesday that Guerrero and the Blue Jays are “not particularly close to getting a deal done” even though they have discussed a contract extension. For now, the first baseman is under team control through the end of the 2025 campaign.

Feinsand also noted that “an overwhelming offer could make Toronto consider” trading Guerrero even though it has no plans on moving him.

“I would love to be in Toronto,” Guerrero said. “My family loves Toronto, my kids love Toronto, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. We all need to understand that, so whatever happens happens. Definitely, I would like to stay there.”

The Blue Jays are in last place in the American League East and 9.5 games back of the final wild-card spot in the AL. It is difficult to envision them making a playoff push after the All-Star break given their overall inconsistency, which could lead to the front office focusing on the future.

While trading Guerrero with more than a year remaining on his contract would be quite the blow to the team’s immediate future, a big enough return could accelerate the timeline on a rebuild.

It would also prevent a situation where he might leave in free agency for nothing in return down the line if the team and player are unable to come to terms on a new deal as they continue to negotiate.

Guerrero would certainly net a significant return in a trade, as he is still just 25 years old and has a resume that includes a Silver Slugger award, a Gold Glove and four All-Star selections. He led the league in home runs with 48 in 2021 and was named to the All-Star Game this season following an impressive start.

In 95 games, he is slashing .288/.359/.456 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI.

He has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Blue Jays, but his chance at being a bright spot in the future for the organization will come down to whether he and the front office can close the gap on their contract negotiations.