Going through the winter, the Toronto Blue Jays were expected to be lower on the priority list than perennial AL East rivals like the Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees. Yet, just weeks after the offseason began, the notion of rebuilding started to drift closer to reality. Enter Ross Atkins, the Blue Jays' General Manager, who made two significant moves this offseason, grabbing switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander and future Hall of Fame starting pitcher Max Scherzer. These additions have stirred some excitement among the Toronto fan base.
Despite the buzz surrounding these acquisitions, the Blue Jays face another pressing issue: the future of their star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. If they aim to keep him locked down for the years to come, they must land one more significant talent. Atkins certainly has the opportunity with the free-agent market buzzing.
A key consideration is the potential signing of Alex Bregman, who remains available. While reports indicated Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays were nearing agreement on a contract extension, the persistence of this uncertainty is unsettling for many Toronto fans. It’s entirely feasible the franchise has already proposed terms, but Guerrero Jr. appears hesitant, pointing to the ambiguity surrounding the team’s immediate future.
Guerrero Jr. might not want to commit long-term if he is uncertain about the team's direction. With George Springer’s contract ticking down and Bo Bichette frequently cited as a trade prospect if the Blue Jays opt for rebuilding, fans are understandably on edge. Guerrero Jr.’s commitment to Toronto hinges on their potential to create— and sustain— a winning culture.
The urgency is palpable, with pressure on Atkins to show Guerrero Jr. the organization’s seriousness about competitiveness. This urgency is amplified by the fact Guerrero has set his self-imposed deadline for signing by the start of spring training, pushing the front office to act quickly.
Across the league, rumors have swirled about other teams’ interest, particularly the Chicago Cubs, who were reported to be closing in on acquiring Bregman. Recent developments, though, suggest Bregman’s contract expectations have muddied those waters, improving the Blue Jays’ chances of snagging him to bolster their roster.
Meanwhile, the chatter surrounding Guerrero Jr. continues to intensify. Reports from respected MLB insider Hector Gomez suggest the Blue Jays might finally be nearing the completion of their long-awaited deal with the young star. Speculation has run rampant throughout the offseason; on one side, some sources are adamant Guerrero Jr. will hit the free agency market, whereas others insist he will remain with the Blue Jays.
Online fan accounts have taken matters to heart, sharing daily video highlights of Guerrero’s impressive home runs as part of their campaign to push for his extension. One fan account has dedicated Day 94 to posting videos of Guerrero’s best moments, stoking excitement among supporters who hope for some positive news soon.
For many, the desire is to secure Guerrero Jr. to the team— losing him would undoubtedly deal a crushing blow to the fan base. If reports are to be believed, the anticipated average salary for Guerrero Jr. could be around $40 million. Yet, if the Blue Jays can stretch the contract to 15 years, this would lower the average yearly commitment to around $32 million, making the financial side more palatable.
Staff at the Blue Jays organization continue to navigate through this tense atmosphere, desperately seeking to lock down Guerrero Jr. within the next few weeks. The urgency for Ross Atkins to finalize matters is palpable, and fans are left crossing their fingers and hoping for good news soon. Should they secure Bregman alongside Guerrero, it would firmly establish Toronto as potential contenders moving forward.
This offseason holds monumental significance for the Toronto Blue Jays as they strive to consolidate their roster and secure their star player. With strategic moves to cultivate their competitive edge underway, each day brings new developments. The pressure to finalize Guerrero Jr.'s contract alongside the possibility of bolstering the lineup with Bregman highlights the pivotal moments defining the Blue Jays’ future prospects on the diamond.