Coming into the 2024 off-season, the Toronto Blue Jays were clear: they were going to take care of what was left last time—clench their star of the season. Last season, they missed out on Shohei Ohtani, even though they had $700 million to give. And they put all their eggs in one basket. But Shohei Ohtani, of course, went to LA. Ouch, that must have hurt, so this time it’s not surprising that they are gun-blazing mad about Juan Soto.

Now, while everyone is talking about how beautifully Soto would fit with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and how strong that team would become, there is crucial information in wraps. The Blue Jays are planning to trade the face of the franchise—Guerrero Jr. instead! Shocking for sure, but this is what Jim Bowden from the Athletic has reported. This gives many hopeful teams further hope that they could clinch Guerrero instead. One of them is the Chicago Cubs!

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future with the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs are facing a rather quiet offseason, especially when it comes to revving up their offense. Of course, high-contract players like Juan Soto are off the table, and options like Brent Rooker are unavailable. But they need to get creative with trade and bring in a player that can be transformative for the team. And as if their prayers were answered by a divine force, or rather Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being on the list of potential traders has come on. And it can be the answer to Chicago’s offensive struggles.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the bat that can elevate the Cub’s standings. He has had a stellar season, hitting 323/.396/.544 and smashing 30 homers. Plus, he is entering the last year of his contract. And for Chicago, every penny spent to get him will be well worth it—remember, he is the literal face of the Blue Jays franchise. Bowden in Athletic claimed, “GM thinks the Blue Jays will be enticed by the franchise-changing trade offers they could receive for Guerrero because their farm system needs an infusion of prospects.”

Moreover, Chicago’s prospect depth, along with their top-eight prospects in Triple-A, makes them a rather great suitor for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But they should not get their hopes high because this trade news could all lead to nothing!

Will Juan Soto’s talks end up as déjà vu for the Blue Jays?

Blue Jays fans might be feeling—here we go again! Like just last year when everyone thought Shohei Ohtani was considering Toronto seriously. Only to watch him deal with LA and walk off to the sunset. Well, it’s starting to feel like déjà vu happening, except this time with Juan Soto. The Dominican is supposed to have his first meeting with the Jays. But before that makes one excited, it’s important to remember that he had criteria to choose a team—a winning team and a high pay!

The Blue Jays have that $700 million they saved up from not paying Ohtani. But a winning team? Um, they stood last in the team standings! This makes one think—could this be a strategy to mark up his market value? Moreover, MLB insider Daniel Judge also hinted that Soto’s focus is on the Yankees, the Mets, and the Red Sox. Meaning Jays would need something miraculous to pull this off.

Steve Phillips called the entire ordeal unnecessary. “I can’t imagine that the Blue Jays would be able to match what Hal Steinbrenner of the Yankees would be able to pay or what Steve Cohen of the Mets would be willing to pay,” said Phillips. Hence, $200 million is what’s needed to lock Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the long haul, and the Jays might find that sweet deal.

What do you think will happen? Let us know if you think it’s going to be a déjà vu case with the Blue Jays! Let us know in the comments!