The Toronto Blue Jays are running out of time to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr and could trade him to ensure they get some return before he potentially walks next winter. During an appearance on Abriendo Sports, Guerrero noted that he is willing to negotiate until the first full day of spring training.
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays are actively negotiating an extension with Guerrero. However, if a deal is not reached the Blue Jays could deal him. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this deal that ships Guerrero to the Boston Red Sox:
- Blue Jays receive: shortstop Franklin Arias and right-handed pitcher Luis Perales
- Red Sox receive: first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“The team should have the money for it, and Guerrero probably wouldn’t need to be sold on Fenway Park,” wrote Rymer. “He has a 1.054 OPS there, compared to a .823 OPS at the Rogers Centre. As fun as it is to imagine a Guerrero-for-Triston Casas swap, the two players have mismatched trade values. It’s also hard to fathom the Red Sox being OK with sending such a dangerous young hitter to a division rival.”
While the Blue Jays would not be getting Casas, they would trade one guaranteed year of Guerrero for the Red Sox’ No. 4 and No. 7 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. Arias could be their future shortstop as Bichette will be a free agent next winter.
“The 19-year-old Arias, in particular, has legitimate upside,” wrote Rymer. “Even if he never hits for much power, he profiles as a slick-fielding shortstop with a reliable stick.”
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