MLB Rumors: Will the Blue Jays Trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? The Cubs Emerge as a Perfect Fit
The Toronto Blue Jays are entering MLB Opening Day without their franchise cornerstone locked up for the long term. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of baseball’s elite talents, is set to become a free agent after this season. While both Guerrero and the Blue Jays have engaged in contract extension talks, no deal has been finalized. If Toronto begins to fear losing its star first baseman for nothing, a blockbuster trade could be on the horizon. The Chicago Cubs stand out as a prime potential trade partner.
Cubs Trade Proposal for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Cubs receive: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays receive: Matt Shaw (Cubs No. 1 prospect, MLB No. 19), Owen Caissie (Cubs No. 3, MLB No. 53), Jefferson Rojas (Cubs No. 7, MLB No. 96), Jack Neely (Cubs No. 16)
As of now, Guerrero remains off the trade block, with both sides seemingly motivated to reach a long-term agreement. The slugger has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, and the Blue Jays are eager to keep him as the face of the franchise. In fact, Toronto recently extended a new contract offer, but according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the two sides remain far apart.
Now that the season is underway, Guerrero may shift his focus entirely to his on-field performance, potentially delaying negotiations. If an agreement isn’t reached, the Blue Jays could explore a trade to avoid losing him in free agency without compensation.
Why the Cubs Are an Ideal Trade Destination
The Cubs boast one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, featuring a league-leading seven top-100 prospects. They certainly have the assets to pull off a trade for Guerrero, and this proposed deal includes some of their best young talent.
Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect, would headline the return package. Additionally, Owen Caissie, Jefferson Rojas, and Jack Neely—all ranked among MLB’s top 100 prospects—would help replenish Toronto’s farm system. With these young position players, the Blue Jays would gain valuable long-term assets while the Cubs secure an impact bat for their playoff push.
Chicago has already demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves, acquiring Kyle Tucker earlier this offseason. Adding Guerrero would give them another elite bat in the heart of their lineup. The first baseman is coming off his fourth consecutive All-Star season, where he hit .323 with 30 home runs. With their depth of young talent, the Cubs could realistically make this trade while keeping their major league roster intact.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Contract Situation
As the season progresses, the likelihood of a Guerrero trade increases. The first baseman initially set a February 18 deadline for contract extension discussions, yet negotiations have continued beyond that point.
“I think we're going to sign him. I think we're going to extend him,” Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro said on March 20, via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “We have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome. Vlad wants to play his whole career as a Toronto Blue Jay. We want him to end his career in a Blue Jays uniform and be a true legacy player for the Toronto Blue Jays. That’s a pretty good place to start.”
Guerrero is reportedly seeking a contract in the range of Juan Soto’s recent megadeal, but Toronto’s latest offer—less than $600 million over 14 years—fell short. While it remains unclear how wide the gap is between the two sides, every passing day brings Guerrero closer to free agency. If the Blue Jays ultimately decide to trade their star slugger, there may be no better fit than the Chicago Cubs.
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