Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Should Be Red Sox’s Long-Term Dream Target
The Boston Red Sox haven’t made a premier free agency addition to their lineup in three years, but the franchise is in great shape to pull the trigger.
Boston came up short on signing Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández and didn’t retain its 2024 home runs (31) leader in Tyler O’Neill. The Red Sox’s pursuit of Soto, while it didn’t fill the team’s desire for a right-handed bat, suggested that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is all-in on going after a top-notch bat — righty or lefty.
That’s where Boston’s should-be next-in-line candidate comes in: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero, a four-time All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays, might be counting his days in Canada. The 25-year-old is rumored to be eyeing new beginnings as free agency is approaching (in 2026) for Guerrero, and the Red Sox are said to be a team of the young slugger’s interest. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Guerrero “would love to be with the Red Sox,” if Toronto fails to provide a contract extension before spring training.
The Blue Jays have been testing the line of contending in the American League for the past few seasons since Guerrero debuted in 2019, but it hasn’t been enough to overcome the bid dogs of the AL East division. Guerrero, meanwhile, has surged into one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters, crushing a career-best 48 home runs in 2021 and making four Midsummer Classic appearances ever since.
Whether through trade or patience for next winter, the Red Sox should capitalize on Guerrero’s rumored interest and jump at the potential chance.
Guerrero batted a career-high .323 with 30 home runs, 44 doubles (also a career-high) and 103 RBIs across 159 games, recording a 6.2 WAR, too, last season. Those numbers are impressive alone, however, Guerrero’s career performance at Fenway Park is even more eyebrow-raising.
The left-handed power bat has complied a .356/.432/.622 slash line with 10 home runs, 18 doubles, 25 walks and 44 RBIs in 46 career games at Fenway Park. Guerrero’s six-year career in the AL East has given him plenty of time and experience to get accustomed to Boston’s home field.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora, watching Guerrero’s growth from rookie to stud, has always been impressed by the son of Baseball Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero.
“You can see the quickness of the bat,” Cora said five years ago, per The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham. “For such a big guy he moves very well. He has fun, too, doing it. He’s smiling all the time, which is great.”
Cora added: “Just let him be. Just let him be and he’s going to be a good player.”
Guerrero nearly joined forces with Red Sox franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers, to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Toronto’s first baseman had to withdraw while recovering from right knee discomfort while Devers and the Dominican Republic failed to reach the quarterfinals.
Now, Guerrero and Devers could instead compete for the Commissioner’s Trophy in the World Series and form the franchise’s greatest Dominican-born duo since David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez delivered two titles (in 2004 and 2007).
Guerrero is currently set to earn $28 million in 2025.