Blue Jays’ Next Moves After Guerrero’s Massive Deal
The Blue Jays have secured their cornerstone player, locking in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a staggering 14-year, $500 million extension just before midnight Monday. With their four-time All-Star first baseman committed long-term, Toronto can now focus on building a contender around him.
This mammoth deal reshapes Toronto’s future roster construction. The immediate question: how will the Blue Jays approach free agency this winter?
Bo Bichette’s future with the team remains uncertain, which means the Jays might need to find another impact infielder. They’ll likely target someone who can complement Guerrero’s offensive production while strengthening their defensive alignment.
FanSided’s Chris Landers suggested an intriguing possibility on Monday: pursuing Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency to create a “dream lineup” around Guerrero.
“We know that the Jays were in on Alex Bregman this past offseason, and if he opts out again next winter, why not make another run?” Landers wrote. “He’d be a massive upgrade over Ernie Clement at the hot corner, and if Gimenez replaces Bichette at short, Toronto’s left side would be elite defensively.”
The Bregman scenario makes sense on multiple levels. He’d provide Gold Glove-caliber defense at third while adding a proven playoff performer to the lineup. It would also create space for power-hitting prospect Orelvis Martinez, who impressed during spring training and seems ready for his big-league opportunity.
Bregman opting out of his remaining $80 million over two years with Boston isn’t guaranteed, but his odds increase with each productive game. While Fenway Park suits his swing perfectly, he’ll likely follow the money if a bigger payday emerges elsewhere.
There’s also the divisional rivalry angle. Imagine the Blue Jays poaching Boston’s newest star just as Red Sox fans were warming up to him. That’s the kind of move that would not only improve Toronto’s roster but also create significant disruption for a direct competitor who just moved Rafael Devers off third base to accommodate Bregman.
