After finishing last in the AL East and facing the final years of team control for stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays are entering a crucial offseason. For GM Ross Atkins, the top priority will be securing a long-term deal for Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero Jr. has been a cornerstone for the team, particularly after an outstanding offensive season in 2024. If the Blue Jays aim to compete in 2025 and beyond, locking him in is essential, especially given the rarity of elite first-base talent.
However, securing Guerrero Jr. to a significant contract will come with a hefty price tag—both financially and in terms of potential roster changes. Toronto’s interest in Shohei Ohtani and reported links to Juan Soto demonstrate a willingness to invest, especially after making room under the luxury tax by trading away players. Yet, committing $30-40 million annually means some current players may no longer fit into the team’s future plans.
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3. RHP Chris Bassitt
It was unexpected for Bassitt to remain with the team past the trade deadline; at 35, he’s showing signs of decline and has only one year of control left. If the Jays pursue someone like Soto while also paying Guerrero Jr., freeing up Bassitt’s $22 million could be advantageous. He may still attract teams in need of even average starting pitching, like the Cardinals.
2. OF George Springer
Springer is another expensive player whose performance has dipped. In 2024, he recorded an OPS+ below league average for the first time and hit under 20 home runs for the first time since 2015. At 35, his $24 million salary poses a challenge for Atkins as he looks to enhance the roster. While trading Springer could be difficult, packaging him with a more appealing asset might help the team find a deal and alleviate some payroll constraints.
1. Bo Bichette
Bichette is the key concern. Atkins hasn’t dismissed the idea of re-signing both Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, but it’s hard to see how the team can afford both while addressing numerous other roster needs. Bichette’s value is also in question after a disappointing 2024 season marked by injuries, leading to a potential stalemate in negotiations. If an agreement isn’t reached, the Jays face a tough decision: trade Bichette before he becomes a free agent next winter or risk losing him for only a compensatory draft pick.
Atkins might prefer to retain Bichette until the trade deadline to assess the team’s potential for 2025 and give him a chance to improve his value. However, that strategy comes with risks, as teams may be less willing to trade for him if they’re only acquiring half a season before free agency. Ultimately, a deal for Guerrero Jr. would set the stage for Bichette’s future in Toronto.
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