Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays: The latest on possible extension talks, the Alonso factor and more

With his free agency looming in less than nine months, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero is sparking discussion on several fronts:

• The Blue Jays have not spoken to Guerrero’s camp about an extension since before Christmas, according to a source briefed on the conversations. However, those discussions are expected to accelerate ahead of Guerrero’s self-imposed deadline of Feb. 17, the day before the Jays’ first full workout for pitchers and position players.

Guerrero, 25, is expected to hit the open market at the start of his age-27 season, a year older than outfielder Juan Soto when he agreed to his $765 million, 15-year free agent contract in December. years with the New York Mets. . First basemen generally aren’t paid as well as outfielders, but Guerrero’s relative youth sets him up for a monster contract, either with the Jays or another club.

• As Athletics reported Thursday that the Jays are in discussions with free agent first baseman Pete Alonso. The addition of Alonso would not signal a willingness to trade Guerrero, according to a source briefed on the discussions. The Jays are trying to win, and their most likely plan would be to move Alonso up first and move Guerrero to third, where he played in 12 games last season. Both could also serve as designated hitters.

Some players might resist changing positions during their walk-on year, but Guerrero would actually prefer to cross the diamond. He told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi in September that he would “love” to play third base in 2025, calling it “my position.” This move, if it goes well, could increase his value in free agency.

• Signing Alonso could also protect the Jays from potentially losing Guerrero, provided the deal doesn’t include an opt-out after one year. Alonso’s camp offered the Mets an exclusive three-year contract with a high average annual value and opt-outs. The Mets countered with a three-year offer that Alonso rejected, league sources said. On Thursday evening, a source confirmed a New York Post report that the Mets’ roster included opt-outs and was worth between $68 million and $70 million.

With the Jays, a team that was desperate to make a major move over the past two offseasons, Alonso could perhaps negotiate a deal closer to the extension he rejected from the Mets in June 2023, according to the New York Post . The Mets’ seven-year, $158 million offer would have included his final year of arbitration, which turned out to be worth $20.5 million. So, in new money, Alonso effectively turned down six years and $137.5 million.

• Finally, while a Guerrero trade, with or without Alonso, is not out of the question, Toronto’s response to teams simply checking into Guerrero’s availability in a deal reflects their strong desire to have him keep.

To even consider trading Guerrero, a package would have to include major league and top prospects and exceed the value the San Diego Padres received from the New York Yankees for Soto, league sources said.

For Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham, the Padres acquired right-handers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Johnny Brito and Randy Vásquez, as well as catcher Kyle Higashioka. They later made Thorpe the centerpiece of a trade for right-hander Dylan Cease.

(Top photo by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Mark Blinch/Getty Images)