Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. faces an uncertain future after failing to secure a contract extension by his self-imposed February 18 deadline. Now, a pregame handshake with New York Mets stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso has fueled speculation about his potential landing spots ahead of 2025 free agency.
As Guerrero approaches free agency following the 2025 season, teams around Major League Baseball are already being linked to the slugger. Jim Bowden of The Athletic has ranked the Mets as the fourth most likely landing spot should Guerrero become available.
While it is common for players to exchange greetings before games, social media erupted with theories about whether Guerrero was signaling interest in a future with the Mets. Such speculation highlights the growing tension between Guerrero and the Blue Jays’ front office, which now faces increasing pressure to secure their franchise cornerstone before he explores other opportunities.
The Blue Jays’ risky gamble
Toronto’s failure to secure Guerrero’s long-term commitment could prove costly. The organization’s reluctance to meet his market value has left a window open for other teams to make their case. Meanwhile, rivals like the New York Yankees are rumored to be keeping a close eye on the situation. If the Blue Jays hesitate too long, they could find themselves outbid for their own star.
One MLB executive recently weighed in on the situation, explaining, “In my experience, that usually happens because the talks started during the spring and just didn’t get wrapped up, but there was momentum, so neither side wanted to shut it down.” This suggests that while discussions may not be entirely dead, Guerrero’s patience could be wearing thin.
Guerrero: What lies ahead?
As the 2025 MLB season progresses, Guerrero’s performance will play a significant role in determining his future contract value. If he continues to deliver at an elite level, the price tag for his services will only increase. Whether Toronto steps up to retain him or allows another franchise to swoop in remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract saga is far from over, and the baseball world will be watching closely.