If Vladimir Guerrero is signed to an extension that means the team will likely be moving on from these players
Photo credit: Blue Bird Banter
The Toronto Blue Jays biggest off-season priority needs to be signing Vladimir Guerrero to an extension but if they get a deal done, players such as Chris Bassitt, Bo Bichette and George Springer might end up being moved.
While general manger Ross Atkins has kept his cards close to the vest regarding the Guerrero extension, it seems to be a necessity if the Blue Jays truly plan on competing next season. If a deal does get done this winter, the team will likely move on from quite a few big time players as they are still looking to add some big time talent during free agency.
Blue Jays might be forced to move on from Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt and George Springer if Guerrero is re-signed
Bassitt is the least surprising of the the three players since he has shown big signs on regression and most were surprised he was not moves at the trade deadline in 2024 as he enters the final year of his deal at $22 million in 2025.
It was a bit surprising to see Bassitt stick around past the deadline this year; he's showing real signs of decline at age 35, and he's got just one year of team control remaining. If the Jays want to make a run at someone like Soto on the free-agent market in addition to paying Guerrero Jr., getting Bassitt's $22 million off the books would be helpful -Landers
Springer is another one that fans are hoping the Blue Jays will be able to move but with his current massive contract in place for another two years, if another team were to take on his contract, he would need to be paired with a solid player in the trade.
At age 35, it sure seems like the arrow is pointing straight down here, which makes his $24 million salary something of an albatross as Atkins looks to add talent this winter. Springer doesn't figure to have much of a trade market, but if Toronto packages him with something a bit more enticing -Landers
Finally there is Bichette, who is also heading into the last year of his current deal and after his play last season and the team looking to seriously improve in 2025, he is the player most likely to be moved since he has the biggest trade value out of the three.
Maybe Atkins wants to hold on to him until at least the trade deadline, both to see how good this team can be in 2025 and to give Bichette a chance to rebuild his value. But that also comes with risk: Teams figure to be far less willing to shell out to acquire half a season of Bichette ahead of his free agency than a full year. -Landers
If the Blue Jays end up signing Guerrero and still plan on bringing in some big time free agents such as Teoscar Hernandez or Juan Soto, they will need to make some room in their current payroll and these players seem like the clear option.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
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