As the offseason winds down, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing a tough reality: their superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., might not be with the team for much longer. Despite the Blue Jays’ efforts to secure an extension, Guerrero has declined their offer, fully aware that he stands to earn a much more lucrative deal on the open market.

His decision to turn down the extension before Juan Soto signed his historic contract now looks like a brilliant move. Soto’s record-breaking deal set a new standard for young players, and Guerrero, at just 25 years old, is poised to be one of the most coveted free agents in baseball after next season. With his combination of age and extraordinary talent, Guerrero is set to draw offers from teams eager to land a generational player. The future looks bright for the young slugger, but it may be far from Toronto.

Blue Jays to likely head for trade offers  

According to ESPN, if the Toronto Blue Jays come to the realization that re-signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is unlikely, they may have no choice but to entertain trade offers. By the July trade deadline, Guerrero would be the most sought-after player on the market, with multiple teams vying for his services.

If the Blue Jays do manage to strike a deal with Guerrero, they could be looking at a contract in the range of $500 million over 15 years, which would work out to an average of $33.33 million per season. That figure could represent a reasonable investment, considering the immense impact Guerrero could have on the team’s future.

However, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins has built a reputation for being conservative in contract negotiations, often offering lower-than-expected figures. Given this track record, insiders predict that Toronto’s actual offer could be closer to $400 million, which would likely fall short of Guerrero’s expectations. If that happens, it’s increasingly likely that Guerrero will opt to test free agency next offseason, where he could command an even larger payday. The situation continues to loom over the Blue Jays as they try to keep their superstar in the fold.

The Yankees could be interested in the Canadian-Dominican player

Guerrero Jr. is poised to hit free agency after this season, and speculation is intensifying around whether he might move on from the Toronto Blue Jays. While Guerrero had previously made it clear that he would never play for the New York Yankees, his stance seemed to soften during last season’s trade deadline. Rumors circulated at the time that the Yankees were eyeing him, sparking curiosity about his future in the Bronx.

At this point, skipping out on securing an elite first baseman with the money saved from potentially losing Juan Soto would be shortsighted for the Yankees. However, the team may be playing the long game by setting their sights on Guerrero when he becomes a free agent. Projected to land a massive 12-year, $427 million deal, it wouldn’t be surprising if his market value pushes into the $600 million range. Let’s be honest: Guerrero is a bona fide superstar. A four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove winner, he has already cemented his legacy as one of the game’s most electrifying talents.

For the unversed, Guerrero led MLB in home runs back in 2021 and posted an impressive .940 OPS last season. Just imagine Guerrero in pinstripes, complementing Aaron Judge in the heart of the lineup. That pairing would rival last year’s dynamic duo of Judge and Soto but with even more power, flair, and excitement at the plate. For the Yankees, signing Guerrero could be the game-changing move they’ve been waiting for, adding another cornerstone talent to a championship-caliber team. Where do you see Guerrero landing next? Tell us in the comment section below!