Looks like the Blue Jays are on the edge of a major pivot, one that could reshape their destiny for years. After they missed the deadline to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr for a long-term extension, they now have two potential directions. They can either lock him down with a groundbreaking contract reaching $500 million, or they can walk off and use that money somewhere else.

J.T. Realmuto.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ star catcher is all ready to hit free agency after 2025. And with him facing payroll challenges, he could be on the move. If the Blue Jays decide not to heavily invest in Guerrero, they would have funds to go big and make a deal for him.

Wondering why Realmuto? Simply because he comes under elite catchers and is hard to come by. He might not be at his peak at the moment, but still, he brings leadership that could add so much value to the team looking for stability.

One thing that remains certain is that adding him might push Alejandro Kirk down the depth chart. But ultimately, it’ll make the Blue Jays 10x better.

Now, the Phillies are boasting a World Series-contending roster. But their core—Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto—is aging. Even though Harper is locked in for the long term, Schwarber will also catch free agency after 2025. According to sources, Realmuto might not be in their long-haul plans because of Philadelphia’s financial concerns.

Not to brag, this off-season looks like a franchise-defining phase for the Blue Jays. So, one thing is clear: They can’t afford to stand still about this.

‘I want to Be a Blue Jay… But it’s business:’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s take on rejecting record-setting offer

At least for now, Vladimir Guerrero Jr has closed the door on contract extension talks with the Blue Jays. The team made an aggressive push, but the young superstar walked away from the ‘record-setting’ offer of Ross Atkins.

“I am confident that we exhausted the communication, the ideas, and the thoughts, and communicated every dollar,” exclaimed Atkins, pointing out that Toronto did everything they could!

Nevertheless, despite a handsome proposal, Guerrero Jr is standing firm. True that his affection for the Blue Jays is beyond limits. But in the grand scheme of things, baseball is a business, and he is also willing to test the waters of free agency.

“Listen, I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career. But it’s free agency. It’s business. So I’m going to have to listen to 29 more teams, and they’re going to have to compete for that.”

It’s clear that Guerrero Jr. isn’t shutting the door on Toronto; he’s just keeping his options open. If the Blue Jays want to keep him, they may have to raise the stakes.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s take on this scenario puts immense pressure on the Blue Jays front office. And on the other side, even the thought of Guerrero Jr. in another jersey is a tough pill to swallow for the fans.

Think Toronto will fight more for Vladdy?