It seems like the Toronto Blue Jays often come close to landing top free agents but ultimately fall short. This trend has been evident with players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and now Roki Sasaki.
Despite their efforts to bolster their roster, the Blue Jays have struggled to seal the deal, which raises the possibility of a shift in strategy. Instead of pursuing marquee free agents, they might consider a bold move like trading their star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., in the same offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently suggested a trade scenario where Guerrero would head to the San Diego Padres in exchange for a package of three players:
San Diego Padres receive: 1B/3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Toronto Blue Jays receive: 2B/1B Jake Cronenworth, LHP Yuki Matsui, SS Leodalis De Vries (Padres’ No. 1 prospect)
“This deal would be costly for Toronto. Whereas they’re only on the hook to pay Guerrero $28.5 million, Cronenworth and Matsui would come with $90.5 million still owed to them,” Rymer explained. “It is nonetheless worth noting that Cronenworth was on Toronto’s radar last winter. He could instantly take Guerrero’s place at first base and, at the least, bring balance to a lineup that leans right-handed.
“Yet the real prize here, of course, would be De Vries. Though he’s just 18 with one minor league season under his belt, he’s a switch-hitter who projects as a five-tool shortstop. He’d be a crown jewel that the Blue Jays presently lack in their farm system.”
For the Padres, this would be a high-risk, high-reward move. They need to make significant strides to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Adding Guerrero would be a massive upgrade, especially if they can position themselves to re-sign him after his contract expires next winter.
Though the Padres traded away an expiring Soto last offseason, they might find themselves on the opposite side of a blockbuster deal this time, acquiring Guerrero to make a serious push in 2025.
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