Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sets Deadline: Will the Blue Jays Extend or Trade Him?
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has drawn a line in the sand. Reports indicate that the All-Star first baseman has given the organization until February 18 to negotiate a long-term extension—otherwise, he intends to play out his remaining years under team control and test free agency.
For Blue Jays fans, this deadline should send alarm bells ringing. Guerrero Jr. is the face of the franchise, and his potential departure would mark a seismic shift in the team's trajectory. But if Toronto doesn’t lock him up by Sunday, this situation could take an even sharper turn. If Guerrero is serious about hitting free agency, the Blue Jays have no choice but to consider trading him before the deadline.
It’s not every day a team gets put in this kind of predicament. Guerrero Jr., still just 25 years old, is a proven elite talent with a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove, and an MVP-caliber 2021 season under his belt. He's also the heart of a Blue Jays squad that has tried—and failed—to take the next step in October.
So what’s the holdup? Guerrero is undoubtedly looking for a contract that matches his superstar potential. Toronto, meanwhile, may be hesitant to commit to a deal north of $250 million, especially after a slight dip in Vlad’s offensive numbers in 2023. But if the Blue Jays are playing hardball, they're gambling with their future.
Because if Guerrero truly has his sights set on free agency, Toronto is on the clock.
Look Out at the Trade Deadline
If no deal is reached by February 18, the Blue Jays will have to ask themselves a painful but necessary question: Do we let Vlad walk for nothing—or do we trade him while his value is sky-high?
Toronto still has two years of club control, but every passing day after this deadline diminishes their leverage. If they let Guerrero play out his arbitration years without an extension, they’ll face a repeat of the Bo Bichette situation—another homegrown star likely bound for the open market. That’s a dangerous game for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
If no deal is in place by the summer and the Blue Jays are struggling in the standings, expect Guerrero Jr.’s name to dominate trade deadline discussions. Contenders like the Cubs, Giants, and even the Yankees could come calling, looking to add a generational bat for a playoff push.
Toronto’s front office has a choice: commit to Guerrero as the face of the franchise, or risk losing him for a prospect package that may never match his impact.
This isn’t just about one player—it’s about the future of the Blue Jays organization. The next few days could dictate whether Toronto remains a legitimate contender or pivots toward a rebuild.
If the Blue Jays want to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto for the long haul, they need to step up now. Because if February 18 comes and goes without a deal, the countdown to a trade—and possibly the end of an era—will have officially begun.
Time’s ticking, Toronto. What’s it going to be?
