The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly granted star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. permission to seek a blockbuster trade, as tensions surrounding his contract extension have escalated. Guerrero, who is coming off another strong season with the Blue Jays, has made it clear he is seeking a massive contract extension, one potentially exceeding $400 million. However, the Blue Jays have not met those demands, leading to a standoff between the team and their franchise player.
The request for a trade has been granted as both sides work through a critical period in the offseason. The Blue Jays are reportedly open to hearing offers, but they are not actively shopping Guerrero around. Instead, they’ve allowed him to explore the market to see if a trade offer comes through that meets their high valuation of him.
Guerrero’s performance has certainly made him one of the most coveted players in MLB. He posted outstanding stats during the 2024 season, with a career-high .323 batting average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs. This has sparked interest from a range of teams, including the New York Mets, who are reportedly among the top contenders if Guerrero were to be made available.
For the Blue Jays, the decision is a tricky one. Guerrero has been one of the cornerstones of their lineup, and his presence has played a major role in their recent playoff appearances. However, General Manager Ross Atkins has suggested that while the team is committed to retaining Guerrero, they aren’t willing to meet his reported asking price unless it aligns with their long-term vision for the club.
As the February deadline approaches, the situation grows even more pressing. If the Blue Jays can’t come to terms with Guerrero on an extension, they may face the difficult decision of trading him before he hits free agency, where top-tier teams like the Mets, Red Sox, and Yankees would be ready to compete for his services.
Ultimately, whether Guerrero stays with the Blue Jays or seeks greener pastures will be determined in the next few weeks. If the Blue Jays don’t find a trade offer that meets their high demands, they may hold onto Guerrero for the time being, hoping for a breakthrough.
