The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have found Vladimir Guerrero Jr's replacement
PUBLICATION
Ryan Hall
February 24, 2025 (6:01)
Photo credit: Newsweek
Despite the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 start in Grapefruit League, speculation continues to swirl around the first base position and who will replace Vladimir Guerrero junior if he does not sign a new contract before free agency.
This speculation has been fueled since a self-imposed deadline was passed by the Blue Jays as both Guerrero junior and the Jays organization could not come to terms with a new contract extension that has been speculated into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Several internal players are considered for first base
There are several options within the Blue Jays organization who could step into the first base role as this could be a golden opportunity to attempt to take this position especially if Guerrero Jr is gone after the season is over.
Wagner was very successful in the minors last year most notably walking 16.6% of the time compared to only striking out 10.4% His short MLB stint went well, as he showed decent power on top of strong bat to ball skills.
Will Wagner has been slated to have a great 2025. He is currently in the running to land the third base job along with designated hitter but also could be viewed as a contender for first base.
This notion would be great for the Blue Jays as it would give them some flexibility with their roster and may not need to panic when it comes to making a move.
Toronto should do whatever it can to keep his bat in the lineup after he he posted a wRC+ of 125 with an OPS of .788 and a strikeout rate of just 18.6% last season. If he can continue to develop, he will be a safe option at first base moving forward - so long as he doesn't end up getting a starting spot elsewhere on the diamond. Baron Dionis
Other players being considered are minor leaguer Riley Tirotta and Davis Schneider. Tirotta is a non roster invitee to spring training but appears to have solid numbers in Buffalo as the 26-year-old hit twelve home runs along with forty RBI in 85 games and had a batting average of .240.
RILEY TIROTTA GRAND SLAM!
Davis Schneider on the other hand had a rough 2024 but was great in 2023 which would give him a chance to show what he's worth and that he can improve from his poor outing last year.
Blue Jays will continue to evaluate and look for options
Despite the outcome of not signing Guerreo Jr to a new contract before the season begins, does not mean the Blue Jays are going to stop looking for help whether it's through trade or through their own system.
This season will be pivotal for the Blue Jays and players like Guerrero junior and Bo Bichette who both will be free agents at the end of the year but will need a great season to help cash in their next big contract.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
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