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With the Mets operating as if Pete Alonso will sign with another team, the discussion shifts to who can potentially fill his shoes, and the name floating around is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets spoke with the Blue Jays about the slugging first baseman, who is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and while nothing went past “checking in,” Toronto is giving off the impression they are not willing to deal Guerrero.
In a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Blue Jays have a strong desire to keep Guerrero and that’s based on what type of package they want back in a potential trade.
According to the report, the Blue Jays are looking for major leaguers and top prospects in a package that would exceed the value the San Diego Padres received when they dealt Juan Soto to the Yankees last offseason before they even consider a trade for their perennial All-Star first baseman.
In that Soto deal, which also included outfielder Trent Grisham, the Yankees sent pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez in addition to catcher Kyle Higashioka and prospect Drew Thorpe.
Guerrero, who is entering his age-26 season, had an incredible 2024. Aside from hitting 30 home runs, the slugger hit a career-high .323 and drove in 103 runs. He also had a .396 OBP and a .940 OPS. He even played a handful of games (12) at third base.
Another wrinkle in this offseason is that Toronto is one of the teams engaged in discussions with Alonso, and the Blue Jays are open to having both Alonso and Guerrero on their roster.
The Athletic also reports that extension talks between Guerrero and the Blue Jays are expected to accelerate before the first baseman’s self-imposed Feb. 17 deadline.
If both sides do not come to an agreement, and Guerrero is not dealt, the first baseman will be one of the top free agents heading into next offseason.
While the Mets, and the baseball world, wait for Alonso’s decision, the team from Queens has begun to fill in their roster holes. The team re-signed OF/DH Jesse Winker on Thursday and will look to add to their bullpen.
Of course, there is still a chance Alonso and the Mets come to an agreement but if they don’t, Guerrero may not be an option for them if that’s Toronto’s asking price.