Blue Jays Could Target Realmuto After Guerrero Extension Talks Stall
The Blue Jays’ efforts to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have hit a wall, setting up his likely departure in free agency after the 2024 season. That’s going to leave Toronto with significant money to spend – and J.T. Realmuto might be their next target.
Toronto’s front office hasn’t exactly been crushing it in free agency lately, and their relationship with Guerrero seems to have deteriorated. Now they’re looking at alternatives for that money, which would’ve been earmarked for what could’ve been a $500 million Guerrero deal.
Realmuto could be an intriguing option. The Phillies’ catcher is entering the final year of his five-year, $115 million contract, and while he’s not a direct replacement for Guerrero’s bat, he brings elite defense and solid offensive production to the table.
Last season, Realmuto posted a .266/.322/.429 slash line across 99 games. He’s turning 34 soon, but his track record speaks for itself – three All-Star selections, three Silver Sluggers, and two Gold Gloves. That’s the kind of veteran presence that could help steady the ship post-Guerrero.
Adding him would mean less playing time for fan-favorite Alejandro Kirk, but it’s the kind of move that could help Toronto retool rather than rebuild. The Yankees took a similar approach after losing Juan Soto, spreading money across multiple roster spots instead of concentrating it in one mega-deal.
The way things are trending, the Blue Jays might need to get creative with their roster construction. Realmuto’s not going to replace Guerrero’s production at first base, but he could be part of a larger strategy to keep Toronto competitive in the tough AL East.