MLB Rumors: Vlad Guerrero Jr. Contract Targeted by Blue Jays Amid Bichette Trade Buzz

Doric SamAugust 18, 2024

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The Toronto Blue Jays face the possibility of losing star slugger Vlad Guerrero Jr. when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season, but the team reportedly doesn’t plan on letting him hit the open market.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Blue Jays “want to try signing” Guerrero before he reaches free agency. Meanwhile, the team is also “expected to entertain trade offers this winter for shortstop Bo Bichette.”

Nightengale added that Bichette, who is also a free agent after the 2025 season “has no plans to stay in Toronto” beyond next year. The 26-year-old has not played since July 19 after being placed on the 10-day injured list with a calf strain. In 79 games this year, he’s hitting a career-worst .223 with four home runs and 30 RBI.

While Bichette has struggled, Guerrero has continued to establish himself as one of the most consistent batters in the majors. He leads Toronto with a .317 batting average, a .388 on-base percentage, a .547 slugging percentage, 25 home runs, 80 RBI and 151 hits across 123 games this season.

Despite Guerrero’s individual brilliance, the Blue Jays have struggled to find success as a team and rank last in the AL East with a 58-66 record. The team bounced back from back-to-back losses to the Chicago Cubs with a 1-0 win in Sunday’s series finale. Guerrero was held to 0-for-3, but Joey Loperfido’s solo home run in the second inning was enough for the victory.

Guerrero would undoubtedly command a massive contract if he were to test free agency. If Toronto is able to extend him before he hits the open market, it will solidify his status as the face of the franchise.