After Pete Alonso was rejected, the Toronto Blue Jays were predicted to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for an absurd price.

MLB Trade Rumors: After Pete Alonso was rejected, the Toronto Blue Jays were predicted to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for an absurd price.

With regard to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays are quickly nearing a choice that will define their franchise. After the 2025 season, the organization will have to choose between spending a fortune to sign their star and taking the chance of watching him walk away because free agency will be approaching. The team's face and four-time All-Star Guerrero has already turned down a reputed $340 million offer, indicating that Toronto will have to go above and beyond to retain him. His self-imposed February 17 deadline for extension talks gives the Blue Jays with little time to lock in their most valuable player before uncertainty takes over.

There have been rumors in the sports community that the Blue Jays may be preparing to offer Guerrero a 12-year contract worth over $477 million, which would put him among the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball history. The tendency of elite hitters requesting record-breaking compensation is highlighted by the recent revelation that Pete Alonso declined a contract extension offer from the New York Mets.

Pete Alonso's status as the Mets' first baseman in 2025 is questionable, which makes room for possible successors. Analysts think that Brett Baty will go to third base and Mark Vientos will take over first base if Alonso leaves. 

In a more ambitious scenario, though, the Mets might try to acquire Guerrero, who is about to enter the last year of his deal, through a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mets may be serious candidates for Guerrero if he becomes a free agency because of their financial flexibility and the possibility of playing with players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

This makes him, like others in recent memory, a sought-after asset.

The Blue Jays have to decide quickly. If the situation becomes difficult, they will likely lose to well-funded teams in a bidding battle. To protect their premier player for the long run while his worth is still fair, it would be wise to finalize an agreement before the season begins. Guerrero has voiced his dissatisfaction with previous negotiations. Toronto might never get him back if they don't take quick action and he reaches the agency.

A long-term contract for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is essential for determining the Toronto Blue Jays' future as a team, not just for retaining a star player. Toronto's batting order now revolves around Guerrero. He finished sixth in the American League MVP voting after a successful 2024 campaign.

Guerrero hit.323 with 30 home runs, 44 doubles, and 103 RBIs in 159 games. Both his.940 OPS and.544 slugging percentage were the second-highest of his career. He was chosen for the All-Star squad four times and won the AL Hank Aaron Award. 

The Blue Jays would suffer a hit if Guerrero left because they would lose a key player in the AL East, which is becoming more difficult every day. As a result, it will be more harder for them to compete with rivals like the Yankees and Rays, who are also developing outstanding young talent.