The Toronto Blue Jays’ Crucial Decision: What to Do with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?

A Franchise-Altering Crossroads

The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves standing at a critical crossroads as the 2025 MLB season approaches. The focal point of this pivotal moment is none other than Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the superst
ar who has captivated fans with his immense talent and potential. The clock is ticking, and the Blue Jays must decide whether to hold onto their prized slugger or trade him away ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. This decision could shape the future of the franchise for years to come.

At the heart of this dilemma is the question of whether the Blue Jays will remain competitive enough to make a push for the playoffs. If they are in the thick of a division race or battling for a postseason berth, it’s almost certain that Guerrero will stay put. The idea of parting with a talent like his in the middle of a playoff chase seems unthinkable. On the other hand, if the team finds itself lagging behind and out of contention by the trade deadline, trading Guerrero could be a strategic move to bolster their future prospects.

The Case for Keeping Guerrero

Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller weighed in on the situation, predicting that the Blue Jays will opt to hold onto Guerrero for the entirety of the 2025 season rather than trading him. Miller’s reasoning is sound: after making significant offseason investments in players like Andrés Giménez, Anthony Santander, Jeff Hoffman, and the legendary Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays have clearly signaled their intent to contend this season. The financial and roster commitments they’ve made suggest that they’re all-in on making a deep playoff run.

Given these high-profile additions, it’s hard to imagine the Blue Jays finishing near the bottom of the highly competitive American League East. The team’s moves indicate a belief that they have the talent and depth to compete with the best of the best. If they’re in the hunt for a division title or a wildcard spot, it would be shocking to see them trade away a key contributor like Guerrero. After all, players of his caliber are rare, and his presence could be the difference-maker in a tight race.

The Trade Deadline Dilemma

That said, the trade deadline is a time for tough decisions, and the Blue Jays will be no exception. If, by late July, the team finds itself out of contention, the front office will have to entertain the idea of trading Guerrero. While it’s a painful thought for fans, it’s a reality that every team must consider when faced with the possibility of losing a superstar in free agency. By trading Guerrero, the Blue Jays could secure a haul of top prospects and other valuable assets that could fuel their rebuild and set them up for long-term success.

The parallel here is the 2018 trade of Manny Machado by the Baltimore Orioles. At the time, Machado was a rental player heading into free agency, and the Orioles capitalize
d on his value by trading him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a package of prospects. If the Blue Jays find themselves in a similar situation, they could follow the same playbook. However, as Miller noted, the team is unlikely to trade Guerrero before the season begins, especially after their aggressive offseason.

The Historical Context of the Decision

The Blue Jays’ decision will also be influenced by their recent history. Just a few years ago, they made a similar choice with Guerrero’s father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., though the circumstances were different. Now, with the younger Guerrero on the cusp of free agency, the team must decide whether to commit to him long-term or use him as a short-term asset to acquire future pieces.

The stakes are high, but the Blue Jays have shown they’re willing to make bold moves. As they did with the signings of Giménez, Santander, Hoffman, and Scherzer, they’ve demonstrated a commitment to competing in 2025. If the season unfolds as planned, Guerrero will be a central figure in their quest for a championship. But if things go south, the team will have to consider what’s best for the franchise’s future.

The Implications of Trading Guerrero

Trading Guerrero would undeniably send shockwaves through the baseball world, but it could also set the Blue Jays up for sustained success in the years to come. A haul of elite prospects and young talent could replenish the farm system and create a new core around which the team can build. It’s a risky move, but one that could pay dividends if executed correctly.

On the flip side, holding onto Guerrero comes with its own set of risks. If the Blue Jays fail to re-sign him in free agency, they’ll have nothing to show for it but memories of his time in Toronto. This is the same dilemma that faced the Boston Red Sox when they traded Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. While the Red Sox received a significant return, they’ve struggled to replace Betts’ production and leadership. The Blue Jays would hope to avoid a similar fate.

The Path Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Blue Jays and their handling of Guerrero. Will they go all-in for a World Series title, or will they take a step back and rebuild? The answer lies in their performance on the field. If they’re in contention, Guerrero will be leading the charge. If not, the trade market will be buzzing with rumors and possibilities.

In the end, this decision is about more than just one player. It’s about the direction of the franchise, the trust of the fanbase, and the legacy of a potential dynasty. The Blue Jays’ choice with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2025 season, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Whether they choose to hold or fold, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In conclusion, the Blue Jays’ decision on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a defining moment for the franchise. It’s a choice that balances the thrill of chasing a championship with the practicality of building for the future. As the season unfolds, fans will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see which path the team will choose. One thing is certain: this will be a story worth watching.