Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is going to be the next Juan Soto of free agency next year. That is, if the Toronto Blue Jays fail to keep him. Vladdy had given the Jays a self-imposed deadline, but unfortunately, both parties could not agree on a number. After this year, the Blue Jays and many other teams will be competing for Guerrero’s services.

The Blue Jays had been heavily involved in sweepstakes for Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, but as we all know, they failed. Will they fail to secure their own player too next year? We don’t know, but history does tell us of the team’s failed attempts. Analysts think that Vladdy is going to command a deal well over $500 million, and, well, his mentor also agrees.

Hall of Famer David Ortiz makes a bold prediction

David Ortiz is a close family friend of the Guerrero family. Ortiz played with Vladimir Sr. back in the day, and the two have been close ever since. Big Papi also played a major role in Jr.’s life and became kind of like a mentor to him. In a recent interview, the former Dominican baseball player said that Vladdy Jr. deserved a 13-year, $585 million contract. That’s a very specific number to be throwing out there.

David Ortiz – "Vladimir Guerrero Jr worth $585M/13 years"
byu/BallandPuck4027 inTorontobluejays

Maybe Ortiz knows Vladdy’s asking price given the closeness between them. If that is the case, it would explain why the Jays weren’t able to fulfill his demand. $45 million per year is a lot of money. With the Canadian player heading into free agency next year, a lot of teams will be interested. Maybe his value will increase in the bidding war; who knows? Right now let us look at the teams that will make a good landing spot for the 25-year-old first baseman.

Possible landing spots for Vladdy next year

From the looks of it, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is playing his last year up north. Amid negotiations this offseason, it was even rumored that he might go to his most hated team in New York, aka the Yanks. But even if things don’t work out in Toronto, Vladdy could always go to the Bronx’s sworn enemies, the Boston Red Sox.

Guerrero could be the missing piece to their puzzle as with both the financial flexibility and an impressive collection of prospects, the Red Sox have everything they need to make a strong push for him. Pairing him with Rafael Devers could give the team a deadly duo with elite offense.

If he is thinking New York, let’s not forget the Yankees’ subway rivals. The Mets have shown time and again that they are willing to spend big when it comes to building a championship contender. And the idea of pairing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with fellow superstar Juan Soto would undoubtedly strike fear into opposing pitchers. It’s too irresistible.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are always in the hunt for top-tier talent. Guerrero would be a seamless addition to their already stacked lineup, giving them yet another weapon to bolster their already high-flying offense. It also helps that Guerrero and Shohei Ohtani are kind-of friends, a rare pairing in the league.

Well, the future is not written in stone, and the Blue Jays might very well keep their star in town. But if not, there’s no lack of options!