The Toronto Blue Jays have had a rough start to their 2021 season. After a promising 2020 campaign, the team has struggled to find their footing and currently sits in the bottom half of the American League standings. But amidst all the ups and downs, there is one shining star that has consistently shown his potential and given fans hope for the future – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The 22-year-old third baseman has been a standout player for the Blue Jays since his debut in 2019. With his powerful swing and impressive stats, he quickly became a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s future. However, as Guerrero Jr.’s contract with the Blue Jays nears its end, the team’s failure to extend him could lead to a potential trade before he walks for no return.
It’s no secret that Guerrero Jr. is a key player for the Blue Jays. In just his third season in the major leagues, he has already established himself as one of the best hitters in the game. In 2020, he hit .262 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs in just 60 games. And in the first half of the 2021 season, he has already surpassed those numbers, hitting .332 with 22 home runs and 66 RBIs in 82 games. This impressive performance has earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and has solidified his place as the face of the Blue Jays.
However, despite his contributions and potential, the Blue Jays have yet to secure Guerrero Jr. with a long-term contract extension. This is a cause for concern for fans, as it could mean that the team is not fully committed to keeping their star player. And with free agency looming, the possibility of losing him to another team is becoming more and more likely.
If the Blue Jays fail to extend Guerrero Jr. and he becomes a free agent, it could lead to a difficult decision for the team. They could either risk losing him for nothing or trade him for a return before he walks away. And while the latter may seem like the more logical option, it would also mean giving up one of the most talented players in the league and a crucial part of their future success.
Some may argue that the Blue Jays have plenty of time to sign Guerrero Jr. to an extension, as he is not set to become a free agent until after the 2025 season. However, with the rise of young talent in the league and the increasing demand for top players, the Blue Jays cannot afford to wait too long. The longer they wait, the higher the chance of losing him to another team.
There are also financial considerations to take into account. As Guerrero Jr.’s performance continues to improve, so will his value in the market. If the Blue Jays wait too long, they may have to pay a higher price to keep him, which could put a strain on their budget and limit their ability to build a strong team around him.
But beyond the financial implications, losing Guerrero Jr. would also be a huge blow to the team’s morale and image. He has become a fan favorite and a symbol of hope for the Blue Jays, and his departure would be a major disappointment for the organization and its supporters.
On the other hand, signing Guerrero Jr. to a long-term contract extension would not only secure the team’s future, but it would also send a positive message to the fans and the rest of the league. It would show that the Blue Jays are committed to building a winning team and are willing to invest in their top players.
In the end, the Toronto Blue Jays’ failure to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could lead to a potential trade before he walks for no return. It’s a scenario that no fan wants to see, but it’s a possibility that the team must consider. As the trade deadline approaches, the Blue Jays must make a crucial decision – extend their star player or risk losing him for nothing. Let’s hope they make the right choice and keep Guerrero Jr. in Toronto for years to come.
