Vladimir Guerrero Jr. noted during appearance on Abriendo Sports that he and the Toronto Blue Jays are not close to an extension and he will negotiate until the first full day of spring training. With an extension unlikely, he will become a free agent next winter. In response to being asked where Guerrero will play in 2026, CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson predicted he would be on the Phillies.
“I’m going with a little more off-the-wall answer to spice up things: the Phillies,” wrote Anderson. “They have a lot of money coming off the books this winter, including in the persons of Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto. The former’s exit could create some optionality with Bryce Harper, perhaps opening up first base for a new face. The Phillies always seem willing to spend money and Dave Dombrowski is no stranger to ponying up for bat-first profiles. I’m not saying it’s particularly likely or anything, but if you squint you can see a pathway for the Phillies to emerge and land Guerrero this winter.”
Moving Harper to the designated hitter role may be wise for the Phillies. They were also rumored to be shopping Alec Bohm, so Guerrero could potentially play third base in Philadelphia. Spotrac projects Guerrero to sign a 12-year, $427 million deal as a free agent. However, that number could skyrocket like contracts for other superstars.
He said he turned down a $340 million offer and that Juan Soto’s contract has changed the state of his negotiations. Guerrero will be the prize of the next offseason and could start quite the bidding war.
