Boston Red Sox fans have spent the past few weeks wondering why the team hasn't signed Alex Bregman or another of the top right-handed bats available.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale may have inadvertently explained Boston's hesitancy in his column from Jan. 7. Not only did he mention Craig Breslow's disinclination to sign Bregman to the seven-year deal he's hoping for, but the Red Sox may be banking on another high-profile infielder signing with the team next season.
"If [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.] doesn’t receive an extension by spring training, he’ll test free agency, and likely will be wearing a Red Sox uniform in 2026," Nightengale wrote.
The insider also wrote that friends close to the first baseman have said he'd like to play with the Red Sox. The slugger has already declined one extension offer from the division-rival Blue Jays, and Boston fans are already imagining how sweet it would be to see him play in a Red Sox uniform for the rest of his career if he leaves Toronto.
Nightengale also revealed a likely price for Guerrero's services. He and the Blue Jays are around $100 million apart in extension discussions because he's reportedly seeking around $450 million. The Red Sox have shown no inclination to spend that kind of money on any player, but if Guerrero wants to play in Boston as much as Nightengale made it seem, it may be able to get him to lower his price.
MLB insider reports that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hopes to join Red Sox when his Blue Jays contract expires, but he'll be pricey
471 feet?!?!
— MLB (@MLB) June 25, 2024
Vladdy demolishes one out of Fenway! pic.twitter.com/I0vuY2vrHD
Guerrero has been an All-Star in the last four seasons and his righty bat would bring insane pop to the Sox's lineup with an excess of lefties. He batted .323/.396/.544 with a .940 OPS, 44 doubles, 30 homers and 103 RBI over 159 games in 2024.
The 25-year-old has posted insane numbers at Fenway Park since his career began in 2019. He's slashing .356/.432/.622 with a 1.054 OPS, 18 doubles, 10 homers and 44 RBI in 45 career appearances in Boston.
If the Red Sox are able to offload Masataka Yoshida before Guerrero hits free agency, either Rafael Devers or Triston Casas could take over the designated hitter slot to place Guerrero in their former position on the field. The righty could also become a DH himself, as he's only a slightly better defender at first base than Casas.
Guerrero will come at a steep price, though, and it's hard to believe the Red Sox will meet his salary demands — or anything close to them. Boston will also face plenty of competition to sign the slugger, and the Mets and Dodgers have shown the extent to which they're willing to go to sign the best talent on the market.