How Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rumor Could Impact Red Sox’s Long-Term Plan
The Boston Red Sox could be a perfect match for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., pending the 25-year-old’s current situation with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Guerrero, a four-time All-Star approaching the prime of his career, is rumored to aim for a long-term contract before the start of 2025. So far, no dice. The Blue Jays haven’t locked their young homegrown slugger yet, prompting early speculation about Guerrero’s potential departure from Toronto — he’s set to enter free agency in 2026.
The price? It’s expected to be steep whether this offseason or the next.
“That one’s gonna be long-term or bust,” ex-MLB general manager Jim Duquette told MLB Network Radio Thursday. “This is not gonna be a ‘Oh, let’s just do a two-year deal and buyout one year free agent.’ It’s gonna be a 12 to 15-year deal if it gets done.”
Toronto is entering its final year of control over Guerrero and if a deal isn’t struck, plenty of teams across the league will be lining up. Guerrero doesn’t turn 26 until March and agreeing to terms on a 10-year deal would keep the slugger around until his age 35 season. That’s a favorable situation for any front office, especially for a franchise competing in the American League East.
If that doesn’t come to fruition in Toronto, the Red Sox should execute a plan of attack.
Boston took a swing at this offseason’s Juan Soto sweepstakes, going all out with campaigns from David Ortiz, multi-hour meetings in California and a contract offer said to have reached the $700 million range. It’s clear for the right slugger, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is willing to go the extra mile and Guerrero fits that profile.
Guerrero batted a career-best .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs last season through 159 games with the Blue Jays. He recorded a 6.2 WAR, and the right-handed hitter’s numbers at Fenway Park, too, speak for themselves. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has gotten a front-row seat to the Guerrero show, watching Vladdy Jr. slash .356/.432/.622 with 10 home runs, 18 doubles and 44 RBIs in 46 games played at Fenway Park — drawing 25 walks across 206 plate appearances.
That’s a lineup-changing type of bat, one a team looking to end its three-year playoff drought could use for the future.
Guerrero, in tandem with fellow Dominican Republic native Rafael Devers, would be the perfect clubhouse co-leader for Boston’s up-and-coming young team. Prospects including Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are on the horizon and Guerrero’s 30-plus home run bat in the lineup could alleviate some of the rookie pressure.
Boston also could have some valuable flexibility in inserting Guerrero at first base, third base, or the designated hitter’s role.
The front office hasn’t committed long-term to a free agent since signing Masataka Yoshida to a five-year contract out of Japan three years ago. Guerrero has also proven himself as a big leaguer, nearly played alongside Devers in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and would massively upgrade Boston’s offense entirely.