It seems that every time a top free agent becomes available, the Toronto Blue Jays fall just short of acquiring them. This has been the case with Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and now Roki Sasaki. While the Blue Jays have made efforts to add talent, they have consistently missed out, which could lead them to reevaluate their strategy. It’s possible that instead of pursuing high-profile free agents, the Blue Jays might look to trade their star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., in the same offseason. Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently proposed a trade that would send Guerrero to the San Diego Padres in exchange for three players.
Here’s the deal pitched by Rymer which would send Guerrero to San Diego:
San Diego Padres receive: 1B/3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays receive: 2B/1B Jake Cronenworth, LHP Yuki Matsui, SS Leodalis De Vries (Padres No. 1 prospect)
“This deal would be costly for Toronto. Whereas they’re only on the hook to pay Guerrero $28.5 million, Cronenworth and Matsui would come with $90.5 million still owed to them,” Rymer wrote. “It is nonetheless worth noting that Cronenworth was on Toronto’s radar last winter. He could instantly take Guerrero’s place at first base and, at the least, bring balance to a lineup that leans right-handed.
“Yet the real prize here, of course, would be De Vries. Though he’s just 18 with one minor league season under his belt, he’s a switch-hitter who projects as a five-tool shortstop. He’d be a crown jewel that the Blue Jays presently lack in their farm system.”
Although this would be a significant risk for the Padres, they need to take action if they hope to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Adding Guerrero would be a major boost, especially if San Diego can realistically compete to re-sign him next offseason. With the considerable amount of money already tied up in their stars, it’s a tough challenge, but one worth pursuing. Last winter, the Padres traded away an expiring Soto, and this offseason, they might find themselves on the other side of the equation, acquiring an expiring Guerrero.
Leave a Reply