MLB Rumors: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays in Contract Renewal Talks After Trade Rumors | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats and Rumors

After the trade deadline turmoil, the Toronto Blue Jays will resume contract talks with star center Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this winter, according to New York Post Jon Heyman.

Heyman noted that Toronto has a better chance of signing Guerrero to a long-term deal than his teammate Bo Bichette.

“The Blue Jays are expected to try again this winter to sign star first/third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and while they have a better chance with Guerrero than they do with star Bo Bichette, they will need to step up their efforts to retain Guerrero, who is in great shape and has returned to near-MVP quality,” Heyman wrote.

Heyman compared Guerrero’s potential deal this offseason to the 10-year, $313.5 million deal Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers signed last summer. Devers had 33 home runs, 100 RBIs and a .271 batting average in 2023 when he was awarded the lucrative deal.

Guerrero had a stellar sixth season, hitting 28 homeruns, 92 RBIs and .328 in 138 games. He has the best batting average of his career this year and will likely finish with the second-most homeruns, behind only his 2021 season of 48.

After a great year, the Blue Jays will likely need to make a big offer for Guerrero to keep him from leaving as a free agent after the 2025 season.

As Heyman noted, Bichette will be harder to keep once he becomes a free agent in 2025, and the Blue Jays are reportedly preparing to explore the transfer market in an attempt to acquire him this offseason. USA Today Bob Nightengale.

“The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to consider trade offers this winter for shortstop Bo Bichette, who does not plan to remain in Toronto when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season,” Nightengale wrote in August.

Meanwhile, Toronto will finish out the rest of its disappointing season. The Blue Jays are bottom of the AL East at 67-74 this year and have virtually no chance of making the postseason.

If Toronto can acquire Guerrero this offseason, fans will have something to be happy about this year.