Blue Jays are currently negotiating an extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays are in active discussions with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over a contract extension.
Conversations have taken place between the Blue Jays and the New York Mets about a trade for the All-Star first baseman, though discussions are characterized as "checking in," SportsNet New York's Andy Martino reported on Wednesday.
Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays recently avoided arbitration with a one-year, $28.5-million deal and the two have also had on-going talks of an extension this off-season, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
The slugger is set to reach free agency after next season and has set the first day of spring training as a deadline for negotiations on a contract extension.
Long-time Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, meanwhile, is still lingering in free agency.
There have also been rumors that the Jays are in discussion with longtime Mets first baseman Pete Alonso
Alonso's time with the Mets appears to be over
The Boras Corporation pitched the Mets a three-year deal with a high annual salary and one or more opt-out chances. Rosenthal and Sammon report that the team countered with a three-year proposal which Alonso declined.
Joel Sherman and Dan Martin of The New York Post report that the team's offer came with an overall guarantee in the $68-70MM range, which Alonso found unsatisfactory.
So the Mets loss could be the Blue Jays gain.
They could absolutely have both players, with Alonso and Guerrero Jr. splitting time at first base and designated hitter, and Guerrero Jr. also getting time at third.
Guerrero Jr., 25, bounced back from two down years last season, posting a .323 batting average with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs.
Fellow franchise cornerstone Bo Bichette is scheduled to hit the open market at the same time as Guerrero Jr., putting the Blue Jays at something of a crossroads following a 73-89 record and last-place finish in the AL East in 2024.
In the meantime, Toronto has bolstered its roster by signing All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract and trading for slick-fielding second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians.
The Mets made the biggest splash of the MLB off-season to date, winning the Juan Soto sweepstakes by handing the right-fielder a 15-year, $765 million deal.
Guerrero Jr. has said he's willing to sign with the Blue Jays if they meet his number, so perhaps Toronto is getting closer to that.
Reports have indicated he wants at least $450 million.
He's a free agent after the 2025 season and has said he won't negotiate beyond the first day of spring training, which is just about a month from now.
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