The New York Yankees have brought in Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt. The Toronto Blue Jays could be in danger of losing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency next year and could trade him to at least get some return.
During an appearance on Abriendo Sports, Guerrero noted that the sides are not close on an extension and that he will negotiate until the first day of spring training. If the Blue Jays cannot strike a deal by then, they do not seem likely to land him in free agency. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz proposed this trade that brings Guerrero to the Bronx:
- Yankees receive: first baseman/third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Blue Jays receive: outfielder Spencer Jones, right-handed pitcher Will Warren and outfielder Everson Pereira
The Yankees would have a had time playing Guerrero at first base with the addition of Goldschmidt. The Yankees could just wait until free agency, but then they might lose him like they did Soto. Guerrero’s willingness to negotiate now means the Yankees could lock him up long-term after a trade. They could play him at third base for one year and them move him back to first base when Goldschmidt hits free agency after 2025.
The Yankees would be parting with three of their top 10 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. Jones, the Yankees No.2 prospect, would be the prize player going to Toronto. The Yankees’ top prospect Jasson Domínguez likely blocks Jones’ path to the big leagues. The Blue Jays would likely be hesitant to trade Guerrero to a rival, but adding Jones, Pereira and Warren would be a great return.
Spotrac projects Guerrero to sign a 12-year, $427 million deal. If the Yankees traded three of their best prospects, they would surely try and reach a deal with Guerrero before he hits the market.