The Toronto Blue Jays and the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Conundrum: Weighing the Options Ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline
The 2025 MLB season is fast approaching, and for the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the most critical decisions they will face is what to do with their star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero, who has been a cornerstone of the team, is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and the Blue Jays are at a crossroads: should they hold onto him for the remainder of the season and attempt to re-sign him, or should they trade him before the trade deadline and embark on a rebuilding process? The answer to this question will likely depend on the team’s performance as the trade deadline approaches.
Guerrero’s Importance to the Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been nothing short of sensational since his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. The young star has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball, showcasing his incredible power, batting average, and all-around offensive prowess. Guerrero’s presence in the lineup is a significant factor in the Blue Jays’ competitiveness, and his absence would undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in their offense. His talent and marketability make him a player that the Blue Jays would ideally want to build around for the foreseeable future.
However, the reality of the situation is that Guerrero’s impending free agency adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. If the Blue Jays are unable to re-sign him, they risk losing him for nothing more than a compensatory draft pick. On the other hand, trading him before the deadline could net them a haul of top prospects, which could help the team rebuild and compete in the long term. The Blue Jays must weigh their short-term goals against their long-term vision when deciding Guerrero’s fate.
The Competitive Landscape and the Trade Deadline
The decision to keep or trade Guerrero will likely hinge on how competitive the Blue Jays are as the trade deadline approaches. If they find themselves in the thick of a division race or fighting for a postseason berth, it’s highly unlikely that they will trade Guerrero. In such a scenario, the Blue Jays would be all-in on making a deep playoff run, and Guerrero’s contributions would be pivotal in that effort. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has already predicted that the Blue Jays will opt to hold onto Guerrero for the entirety of the 2025 season, especially given their aggressive offseason moves.
The Blue Jays made significant investments during the offseason, adding players like Andrés Giménez, Anthony Santander, Jeff Hoffman, and the veteran ace Max Scherzer. These additions signal that the team is intent on competing in 2025, and it would be shocking to see them at the bottom of the highly competitive American League East. With a lineup bolstered by these new acquisitions and a rotation that now includes Scherzer, the Blue Jays have the pieces in place to make a serious push for the playoffs. Trading Guerrero would not only weaken their current roster but also send a negative message to the rest of the team and the fanbase.
The Trade Option: Weighing the Pros and Cons
That being said, if the Blue Jays are out of contention by the trade deadline, trading Guerrero could be a prudent move. Guerrero’s value as a trade asset is immense, and moving him could bring back a substantial haul of prospects that could help the team build for the future. The trade of Manny Machado in 2018 serves as a prime example of how a rental player can net a significant return. If the Blue Jays are not in a position to make a deep playoff run, trading Guerrero could be the best decision for the long-term health of the franchise.
Trading Guerrero would also give the Blue Jays a chance to restock their farm system and create financial flexibility for future signings. However, it’s important to note that Guerrero’s impending free agency would limit the return compared to if he were under a longer contract. Teams would be wary of giving up top prospects for a player who could leave after just a few months. The Blue Jays would need to carefully assess the market and ensure that any trade would be worth sacrificing Guerrero’s contributions for the remainder of the season.
The Offseason Investments and Their Implications
The Blue Jays’ aggressive offseason moves clearly indicate that they are aiming to compete in 2025. The addition of players like Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, shows that the team is serious about making a deep playoff run. Scherzer’s presence in the rotation, alongside other key offseason acquisitions, significantly bolsters the Blue Jays’ chances of competing in the highly competitive American League East. The division is stacked with talent, featuring powerhouses like the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Baltimore Orioles, but the Blue Jays’ offseason moves have given them a legitimate shot at contending.
With these new additions, the Blue Jays have a deep and talented roster that should be capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Guerrero’s bat in the middle of the lineup, combined with the pitching depth added during the offseason, makes the Blue Jays a formidable opponent. If the team is in contention as the trade deadline approaches, it would be a shock if they decide to trade Guerrero. The team’s ownership has shown a willingness to spend and compete, and trading Guerrero would contradict that approach.
The Future of the Franchise and Guerrero’s Legacy
Looking beyond the 2025 season, the Blue Jays must also consider Guerrero’s long-term fit with the franchise. Guerrero will be just 26 years old at the end of the 2025 season, and he is in the prime of his career. If the Blue Jays are unable to re-sign him, they risk losing a player who could be a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. However, the realities of the MLB market mean that re-signing Guerrero will not come cheaply. Guerrero is likely to command a massive contract, potentially in excess of $300 million, given his age, talent, and production.
The Blue Jays must also consider the financial implications of re-signing Guerrero. While he is an elite player, the financial commitment required to retain him could limit their ability to build a well-rounded roster in the future. If the Blue Jays are unable to surround Guerrero with enough talent to compete for a World Series, they may find themselves stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, unable to justify the massive investment in their star player. That being said, Guerrero’s marketability and on-field production make him a player worth the investment, provided the team can build a competitive roster around him.
In conclusion, the decision to keep or trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a complex one that will have significant implications for the future of the Toronto Blue Jays. If the team is in contention at the trade deadline, holding onto Guerrero is the obvious choice. If they are out of the race, trading him could be the best move for the long-term health of the franchise. Regardless of the decision, Guerrero’s time in Toronto has been nothing short of special, and his legacy as one of the greatest players in Blue Jays history is already cemented. The 2025 season will be a pivotal moment in determining the future of the franchise, and Guerrero’s role in that future remains to be seen.
