It has been a rather rough off-season for the Toronto Blue Jays. Last season was already a huge letdown, with the team struggling to find that rhythm outside of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s performance. But even that wasn’t enough, and the team traded away veterans at the deadline and missed the playoffs. So this time there was hope that the off-season would be the start of something big. One or two big signings, right? But instead, it’s just crickets!

All the big names like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Gleyber Torres, and Teoscar Hernandez have slipped through their fingers. And to make the situation worse, they still haven’t locked their centerpiece with a long-term deal. Guerrero Jr. himself mentioned that Soto’s deal has, of course, helped him raise his payday. And that Blue Jay’s offer and his demand doesn’t meet at all. Fans are frustrated at this, and MLB insider Mike Wilner called out the Blue Jay’s inability to sign the big names.

Mike Wilner’s take on Toronto’s struggles in the off-season

Toronto Blue Jays are in one of the toughest divisions in baseball—the American League East. From the New York Yankees to the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, there are big powerhouses making strides this off-season. As such, one would believe the Jays would be doing everything in their power to bolster their lineup. But that hasn’t been the case! Mike Wilner said the Jays situation reminds him of an old Andrew Friedman quote that says if a team is too cautious during free agency, they will end up finishing third in the race of players. This conservative approach Wilner believes has caused them to miss out on big signings.

Wilner also pointed out how the Blue Jays have failed to lock in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term contract. “I think the Blue Jays really blew it a couple of years ago in not locking him up,” said Wilner. For the unversed, Guerrero Jr. has been with the Blue Jays since 2019, so they had plenty of chances to give him a good deal. But now he is set to be a free agent next season. Given his performance, it’s a given his rate is going to be high. Sources say it’s north of $400 million.

It’s not just a missed opportunity but an incoming disaster. Guerrero is a strong force, and in 2024 he batted. 323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. Now the Toronto Blue Jays either pay him top dollar or lose him to a rival team. And if the Jays don’t find a way to act fast, their situation next year could be in a much bigger pickle than now.

Could Jay’s rival steal the face of the franchise?

The Toronto Blue Jays would much prefer not to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr., their franchise’s best player, to a division rival like the New York Yankees. But in the business of baseball, such decisions need to be made. If the team can’t get that long-term deal, Guerrero Jr. could just walk away as a free agent next year. So, if the Yankees give a package to Toronto, they could find it hard to resist.

If one were to look closely at the New York Yankees’ off-season, it does become clear that they are serious contenders for Guerrero Jr.’s sweepstakes next season. They signed Paul Goldschmidt for a one-year deal which is probably a short-term solution at first base. Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com said Goldschmidt may be a “stopgap” while the Yankees gear up for giving a big contract to Guerrero Jr.

So this gives Toronto a rethink of whether to trade. And if trade is on the table, Jacob Mountz of Fansidered proposed a likely exchange. Sending Guerrero Jr. in exchange for outfielder Spencer Jones, pitcher Will Warren, and outfielder Everson Pereira. But it’s not guaranteed that New York would want to part with their top prospects. So do you think Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will re-sign with the Blue Jays? Let us know!