Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Potential New Homes for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After Blue Jays Extension Falls Through

Tuesday morning, 18th February, the future of the Blue Jays turned...

Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

In an offseason where just about anything has felt possible, this one wasn’t much of a shock. A few hours ago, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. confirmed that he and the Toronto Blue Jays couldn’t reach an extension ahead of Monday night’s 9 p.m. ET deadline – meaning he’s officially heading toward free agency.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walked out of the clubhouse with a big smile, but as the cameras turned on, his expression shifted. The news was delivered.

The two sides couldn’t find common ground, and unless something drastic changes, 2025 will likely be his final season in Toronto. It’s the end of an era – one that started back in 2015 and has seen him earn four All-Star selections, nearly win an MVP, and establish himself as one of baseball’s biggest names.

“I love the city. I love the fans. This is hard,” Guerrero admitted. But he knows better than to let emotions take over in a business that rarely waits for sentimentality.

“Listen, I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career. But it’s free agency. It’s business. I’m going to have to listen to 29 more teams, and they’re going to have to compete.”

Where could Vladimir Guerrero Jr. land in 2025?

According to Jon Heyman, the very early favorites to land Guerrero are the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees.

(Very) early favorites to land Vlad Jr. this winter: 1. Red Sox 2. Mets (assuming Pete opts out) 3. Yankees https://t.co/VLWKZoD4o5
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2025

It’s no surprise why. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who turns 26 next month, is just a few months younger than Juan Soto, who secured a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets this past winter. There’s no doubt his market will be massive, with plenty of interest coming from within the AL East.

Boston Red Sox

After a few quiet offseasons, Boston has started spending again, landing Alex Bregman on a big deal. USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale even reported that Guerrero has told friends he’d love to play for the Red Sox if he hits free agency.

It’s no secret that Vladimir Guerrero has told friends that if he hits free agency, he’d love to play for the Boston Red Sox. Free agency begins in 8 1/2 months as Guerrero officially enters spring without a contract extension.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2025

With Rafael Devers unwilling to move to first base, this could be a perfect fit.

New York Mets

Pete Alonso’s contract situation has been a saga of its own, but it finally ended with a two-year, $54 million deal – including an opt-out after 2025.

That means the Mets could have a vacancy at first base next winter. And if they’re willing to break the bank again (which, as history suggests, they are), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would be a perfect fit as their next big-time bat. And this time, he would be batting alongside Juan Soto.

New York Yankees

This one is complicated. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been vocal in the past about never signing with the Yankees – going as far as saying he wouldn’t do it even if he was dead. But last year, he softened that stance a little, acknowledging that “this is a business.”

ALSO READ: Aaron Judge breaks silence on Juan Soto’s Mets jump, defends Yankees’ World Series hopes

The Yankees need a first baseman beyond 2025, with Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal and expected to platoon with Ben Rice. If they’re willing to spend, their financial firepower makes them a real option. Plus, Guerrero would get to stay on the East Coast, a preference many Dominican players have had in the past.

What about the Dodgers and Blue Jays?

The Dodgers will always be in the conversation for any superstar free agent, but Guerrero might not be the best fit. They already have Freddie Freeman at first base through 2027, and Shohei Ohtani locked in as their DH. Unless Freeman moves to third or they find a way to split playing time, it’s hard to see this working.

As for the Blue Jays? Never say never. Guerrero has made it clear he’d love to stay, and Toronto has the money to make it happen. But at this point, the odds aren’t looking great.

free agent

Toronto Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.