Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a free agent next year, but the Red Sox don’t need to wait until the calendar year turns over to bring him to Boston.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Guerrero failed to agree on an extension by Feb. 17, the first baseman's self-imposed contract renewal deadline. Now, the 26-year-old will test free agency in November.
“They had their numbers. I had my numbers,” Guerrero said when asked about the extension discussions in a press conference.
While Jays fans couldn’t be more disappointed about the superstar potentially leaving, the news couldn’t come at a better time for the Sox. Alex Bregman’s addition to the lineup hasn’t been unanimously embraced. Rafael Devers refuses to give up the third base position, and manager Alex Cora and the rest of the Sox organization are aware of the drama it may cause. Recent press conferences with both indicate that the Sox can’t guarantee Devers the permanent third baseman job, and Devers isn’t going to settle for another position easily.
Red Sox could trade with Blue Jays for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before he hits free agency in 2026
If the Sox keep Bregman at third, Guerrero provides an offensive and defensive upgrade over Triston Casas at first base. And if Bregman shifts over to second, where MLB projects he’ll play, Guerrero can slot into the designated hitter or third base, where he played when he first entered the majors.
Guerrero also outperforms Devers in several ways. In his six-year career, Guerrero has a 21.5 WAR and has hit .288/.363/.500. Though Devers’ 22.5 WAR and .279/.345/.511 slash line is solid, Guerrero has hit better overall. Defensively, Guerrero has excelled. He won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2022 and has gained a reputation for being an excellent infielder. Devers, on the other hand, has struggled to rack up the same accolades.
While there is a strong emotional connection between Sox fans and Devers, it’s hard to argue against swapping Guerrero for him at the hot corner, and Boston has more than enough young talent in its farm system to do it. Guerrero is younger than Devers (by two years), better at the plate and in the field, and healthier. Guerrero has played in 94 percent of his possible career games, whereas Devers has played in 82 percent. From a longevity and endurance perspective, Guerrero is the way to go.
The elephant can’t be more obvious in the room, and the Sox already know that Guerrero has expressed interest in playing for Boston. After Devers’ latest remarks and Cora’s insistence that no positions are guaranteed, it’s time for the Sox to dive head-first into the postseason race and trade for Guerrero. They need a third baseman, right-handed pop, and the Sox need a title. It’s truly a win-win.