The Toronto Blue Jays are at risk of losing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency and need to start thinking about life without the superstar. They could still extend him but it might be wise to trade for his potential replacement.
The Blue Jays have not done a good job of bringing in free agents to help convince Guerrero to stay. Regardless Guerrero noted during an appearance on Abriendo Sports that he is still willing to negotiate an extension until the first full day of spring training. However, he also noted that the two sides are not close to an extension at the moment. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade with the New York Yankees that lands Guerrero’s potential replacement:
- Blue Jays receive: right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman and first baseman/catcher Ben Rice
- Yankees receive: second baseman Davis Schneider
“It would be a reach to say the Blue Jays feel the Orioles’ pain, but they know what it’s like to take a big swing at signing Burnes only to miss,” wrote Rymer. “Reuniting with Stroman, who was with Toronto between 2014 and 2019, wouldn’t quite make up for that whiff. But this would be another case of improvement in the aggregate, as a rotation with Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis could do damage. Rice, meanwhile, would join Will Wagner as candidates to DH in 2025 and potentially take over for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2026.”
Rice, 25, has made 50 big league appearances. There does not seem to be a consistent role for him on the Yankees next season with Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt in front of him. Perhaps a year as the designated hitter for the Blue Jays would help develop his bat and get him ready to be the first baseman in 2026.
There is really no substitute for Guerrero, but taking a chance on Rice would be cheap and give the Blue Jays room to potentially spend on other stars. Rice hit seven home runs in his short time with the Yankees last season. Guerrero is a four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glover. He is expected to be the prize of next offseason.
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