Toronto Blue Jays All-Star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the biggest name being floated in trade rumors as Tuesday’s trade deadline draws closer, but it will take a monumental offer for the AL East team to deal with their franchise player.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Blue Jays have been one of baseball’s biggest disappointments in 2024. They’re 47-56 heading into Saturday’s games, 9.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final wild card spot in the American League.
Guerrero Jr. has done his part for the Blue Jays, with a .297 batting average, 18 homers, 62 RBI and an OPS of .858. If Toronto decides to shop the four-time All-Star, just about any playoff contender should be interested.
Among the top clubs, however, no team feels like a better landing spot for Vladdy Jr. than the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians. Coming into the weekend, they are the top team in the American League with a 62-41 record.
The Guardians are getting by with their elite pitching, but the offense could use another power bat to help Ramírez, Steven Kwan and Josh Naylor. A player like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hits for power and contact, could be the difference-maker that gets Cleveland over the top.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
Guerrero Jr. is under contract through the 2025 season. Even if the Guardians cannot sign him to a long-term extension the gamble on a young superstar for two championship pushes is worthwhile.
What Guardians Should Offer Jays For Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Trading Guerrero Jr. would signal the Blue Jays’ intentions to rebuild, meaning they would want quality prospects for their All-Star first baseman.
The Guardians should go all-in for Vladdy Jr. and offer the Blue Jays three prospects: Outfielder Chase DeLauter (their top-ranked prospect at MLB.com), first baseman Ralphy Velasquez (No. 4) and pitcher Joey Cantillo (No. 10).
It’s a hefty price, but the Guardians’ window is open long-term with a great mix of young and veteran talents. You have to take some risks if you want to be serious about winning a World Series, and Guerrero Jr. might be the player that helps Cleveland end North America’s second-longest championship drought (76 years and counting).
Also Read: Power Ranking All 30 MLB Teams After Week 16 Games
