Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. Hit Extension Deadline Without Deal
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays couldn’t reach an extension agreement before his spring training deadline, setting up the possibility he’ll hit free agency after the 2025 season. That’s opened up some interesting possibilities, including a potential blockbuster trade with a division rival.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports Guerrero has told people close to him he’d love to join the Boston Red Sox. That timing’s particularly interesting given Boston’s current infield situation.
The Red Sox just signed Alex Bregman to play third base, creating some tension with Rafael Devers, who’s made it clear he’s not interested in moving off the position. “That’s my position,” Devers told reporters, with teammate Triston Casas publicly backing him up.
That’s where things get interesting. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed what he calls a “wild” trade idea:
• Blue Jays receive: 3B Rafael Devers
• Red Sox receive: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“If you’re thinking this trade is ridiculous, well, it probably is,” Rymer writes. “Two AL East rivals swapping superstars, one a rental and the other on a contract that runs through 2033? That’s some galaxy-brained stuff.”
But here’s why it’s not completely crazy. The Blue Jays now know Guerrero’s likely heading to free agency after 2025. Instead of losing him for nothing – potentially to the Red Sox anyway – they could land Devers, who’s already locked into a 10-year, $313 million deal through 2033. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger would get his wish to stay at third base, while giving Toronto the long-term cornerstone they’ve been seeking.
It’s the kind of trade that rarely happens between division rivals. But with Guerrero’s apparent interest in Boston and Devers’ position preference, it might just be wild enough to work.
