The Toronto Blue Jays are determined to lure a superstar north of the border.
The Blue Jays came tantalizingly close to landing Shohei Ohtani last offseason, with rumors that he was flying to Toronto capturing the imagination. Juan Soto is the free agent du jour this offseason, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting that the Blue Jays ownership had an “impressive” meeting with the star outfielder.
However, there is already a superstar in Toronto that needs to be addressed. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a free agent after the 2025 season. Guerrero has been vocal about wanting to stay in Toronto as Scott Mitchell from TSN Sports reported in July that Guerrero said he wants to remain with the Blue Jays “all my life.”
One of the few bright spots on the Blue Jays, Guerrero posted one of the best seasons of his career in 2024. The four-time All-Star produced a .323/.396/.544 batting line in his 697 plate appearances, hitting 30 homers and 44 doubles. Guerrero even made a handful of appearances at third, the first time he had more than two innings at the hot corner since 2019. He performed well enough at third that the Blue Jays are considering him as an option there for the upcoming year, potentially opening a spot for Pete Alonso.
The Blue Jays finished the 2024 season at 74-88, last in the AL East. Their bullpen, a constant sore spot last season, needs an overhaul. The Blue Jays need another bat or two to protect Guerrero in the lineup. Getting Bo Bichette back to form will help in that regard as well.
Regardless of any potential additions, the Blue Jays offense begins with Guerrero. Locking him into a long-term extension has to be a priority.
