The New York Yankees have signed Paul Goldschmidt to play first base, but there’s still a potential for them to pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if a trade scenario arises.
Guerrero, one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball, would be a valuable addition to the Yankees both for the present and the future. However, the idea of the Toronto Blue Jays trading him, especially to a division rival like the Yankees, seems unlikely for several reasons.
Chris Kirschner of The Athletic addressed the possibility of a trade, stating that it would be surprising if the Blue Jays moved Guerrero this offseason. Toronto has shown a strong desire to improve by targeting players like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Alex Bregman, indicating they are focused on strengthening their roster rather than dismantling it.
However, Kirschner noted that if the Blue Jays are struggling by the trade deadline and are unlikely to make the playoffs, they could consider trading Guerrero, especially since he will be a free agent after the 2024 season.
If they believe they won’t be able to re-sign him, trading him for assets could make sense.
A potential trade could involve prospects like infield prospect George Lombard Jr., as well as other promising players such as outfielder Jasson Dominguez and pitching prospect Chase Hampton. However, the biggest obstacle in this scenario is the challenge of trading Guerrero within the division, particularly to the Yankees.
In addition to the trade discussions, the Yankees would also have to consider Guerrero’s upcoming free agency in 2025-26. Given that his contract is expected to be in the $500-600 million range, this poses a significant financial commitment.
The Yankees would need to weigh the potential risk of acquiring Guerrero, only to lose him after one season, versus the immediate impact he could have on their roster.
While many teams will be vying for Guerrero’s services, it’s unclear if the Blue Jays would be willing to trade their star player to a division rival like the Yankees. However, if the Yankees offer the best package, a deal could still happen.
