The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in an unenviable position with the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract saga.
The team failed to sign the four-time All-Star to a contract extension by his self-imposed deadline of the first full day of spring training, meaning Guerrero will become a free agent after the 2025 season.
Despite both sides hoping to keep Guerrero as the face of the franchise, a deal never got close. Now, the Blue Jays must decide whether to trade their star first baseman for assets or risk letting him walk away in free agency without compensation.
Related: 6 Trade Destinations for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After Toronto Blue Jays Extension Talks Collapse
MLB insider: Toronto Blue Jays ‘blew it’ with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney criticized the Blue Jays’ handling of the situation during Wednesday’s “SportsCenter” appearance.
“Now the Blue Jays are in a mess of their own making because they have not been decisive,” Olney said. “They could have made him a last, best offer during the offseason and, if he had said no, taken him to the trade market for great value. They failed to do that.”
“So now, they have to hope they’re contending. If they’re not, they might wind up trading him before the July deadline for pennies on the dollar. They should have learned from what happened with Shohei Ohtani and the Angels. They blew it.”
Olney’s criticism is warranted. The Blue Jays’ indecision has likely cost them significant trade value, as teams are now less likely to “sell the farm” for what would amount to a rental player. After finishing last in the American League East last season, the team faces an uphill battle in one of baseball’s toughest divisions.
