A blockbuster trade proposal has a surprise National League team completing a blockbuster move for Toronto Blue Jays stars Kevin Gausman and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Blue Jays are among the finalists for free agent superstar Juan Soto, but GM Ross Atkins may have no choice but to begin a rebuild if he’s unable to land the 26-year-old phenom (or any other star players, for that matter). A rebuild would mean trading franchise star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s entering the final year of his contract.
Guerrero Jr. has made it clear that he wishes to stay with Toronto long-term. But the Jays have never handed out a $200 million contract, and Vladdy Jr. should easily get over $300 million on his next deal.
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com proposed a league-altering trade proposal that has Toronto sending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and its ace pitcher to the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Michael Busch, outfielder Cody Bellinger and promising pitcher prospect Cade Horton.
Doing the country proud 🇨🇦
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 5, 2024
Montreal-born Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins the Tip O’Neill Award as Canada's best baseball player of 2024 👏 pic.twitter.com/aEWsTYevRb
This would be a solid return for Toronto if they wanted to trade Vladdy Jr. and stay competitive, but the front office is more likely to eye a lucrative haul of prospects instead.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
The 25-year-old Guerrero posted a career-high .323 save percentage last season, with 30 homers, 103 RBI, 72 walks and a .940 OPS. He has hit 30-plus homers in three of the last four seasons.
Blue Jays Should Pay Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Toronto could trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to begin a rebuild, but their best bet is to pay the second-generation star and build around him. He’s an MVP candidate who’s in the early stages of his prime, and it wouldn’t be a good PR move if Toronto traded their franchise face instead of paying him what he’s worth.
