The Yankees might get their shot at Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after all.
The Blue Jays’ star first baseman has softened his stance on joining the Bronx Bombers, opening the door for what could be one of next winter’s most intriguing free agent pursuits. It’s a significant shift from his previous position when he declared he’d “never” wear pinstripes.
“If I go to free agency, every team — all 30 teams — are going to have the opportunity to sit down with (me), to talk to me,” Guerrero told the New York Post’s Jon Heyman through an interpreter. “I’m OK with everything. It’s in the past.”
That past includes some complicated history. Guerrero revealed that as a child, while visiting with his Hall of Fame father, the Yankees asked them to leave the dugout area. “I felt bad,” he said. “And it stood with me.” There were also some changed plans around potentially signing his father later in his career.
The timing of Guerrero’s openness is interesting. The Yankees are in the midst of reshaping their roster, having added Paul Goldschmidt, Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger this offseason. But Goldschmidt’s on a one-year deal, creating a potential opening at first base right when Guerrero hits the market.
The four-time All-Star declined Toronto’s extension offer, setting up what could be a massive payday. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects Guerrero could command something in the range of 15 years and $450 million.
The Yankees just watched Juan Soto sign a historic $765 million deal with the Mets after spending just one season in the Bronx. They’re clearly in the market for a long-term slugging partner for Aaron Judge. Now that Guerrero’s willing to listen, they might have found their target.
It’s worth noting that Guerrero’s change of heart doesn’t guarantee he’ll end up in pinstripes. But for a team looking to add another cornerstone bat, just getting a seat at the table is significant progress.
