The New York Yankees could be monitoring the future of one specific superstar.
As the Feb. 17 deadline set by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays approaches, the baseball world braces for what could be a repeat of the high-drama free agency saga that unfolded with Juan Soto in 2024.
Guerrero, a four-time All-Star, is poised to become one of the most talked-about players in the sport if no deal is reached.
MLB insider Jon Heyman from the New York Post has indicated that the Yankees, alongside other teams, might be in the running for Guerrero if he hits free agency.
Despite Guerrero’s past comments against playing for the Yankees, Heyman suggests a change of heart:
“If Guerrero does get to free agency, the Mets and some Soto also-rans — including the Red Sox and Yankees — are logical pursuers,” Heyman wrote. “If Guerrero once hated the Yankees — and he previously suggested half-seriously that he did; George Steinbrenner once changed his mind on a deal for his dad and signed Gary Sheffield instead — that’s long over. Word is, he holds nothing against the Yankees now. That’s worth knowing if the Jays don’t get this done.”
This winter, the Mets, Red Sox, and Blue Jays were among the teams in the chase for Juan Soto before he signed a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. With Pete Alonso’s future in New York uncertain and Triston Casas being floated in trade talks, these teams could turn their attention to Guerrero, who is entering his age-26 season.
Guerrero’s performance last season was stellar, with a .323/.396/.544 slash line, 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and only 96 strikeouts in 159 games. Over six years, he’s amassed 21.5 bWAR, demonstrating his consistency and value.
However, his defensive stats are less impressive, with -1 defensive runs saved and -10 Outs Above Average at first base, though he did win a Gold Glove at the position in 2022.
Spotrac values Guerrero’s market at a hefty 12-year, $427 million contract, but with a strong 2025 season, this could soar even higher. In New York, he could pair with Aaron Judge, creating a formidable lineup duo while injecting youth into an aging Yankees roster.
Currently, the New York Yankees have signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal to cover first base following injury concerns with Anthony Rizzo. Goldschmidt, despite a slow start last season, finished with a .799 OPS in his last 62 games, suggesting he still has something left in the tank.
If Guerrero isn’t signed, the Yankees have their eyes on other prospects, like the record-breaking Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who will transition to MLB after the 2025 NPB season.
As the deadline nears, all eyes will be on Toronto and Guerrero, with his future potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of MLB.
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