Former MLB GM Jim Bowden suggests trade that would see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moved to Astros

It goes without saying that most – if not all – Blue Jays fans would prefer not to be talking about trading away players at this point of the season.

Considering the fact that the team sits three games under .500 in perhaps the most competitive division in the Major Leagues, combined with the fact that the hometown Maple Leafs have lost another first-round playoff series, it’s understandable that Toronto fans are growing frustrated.

Perhaps the biggest pain point for this Blue Jays team is that the players who should be the best hitters on the team have not been performing up to snuff thus far. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.711 OPS), George Springer (.582), and Bo Bichette (.530) have all struggled through the first 35 games of the year, which is particularly frustrating considering that some other role players have got off to solid starts. A bounce-back year from Dalton Varsho, a solid team debut from Justin Turner, and a nice start to his sophomore season from Davis Schneider have been welcome signs for the Blue Jays thus far. It appears to be getting more and more apparent that some kind of change needs to be made.

Former MLB General Manager Jim Bowden recently shared a few trades that he would like to see happen, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being shipped to the Houston Astros for first basemen/outfielder Joey Loperfido and outfield prospect Kenedy Corona. While he admits that this proposal is a way too early one, it would still be shocking to see this kind of move go down.

It is certainly believable that the Blue Jays could keep struggling and continue to look up at their divisional foes as the season progresses. As the trade deadline nears, dishing off either Guerrero or Bichette will be more and more likely if the team remains out of the playoff picture. We’ve speculated as to what it may cost to sign either to an extension, and it certainly makes sense to recoup some value from the player they decide not to lock in long term.

Blue Jays fans would have a reason to be upset about the proposed return that Bowden put forward in his article. Loperfido was the Astros’ sixth-ranked prospect coming into the year, with Corona coming in at 12. Loperfido has certainly raised his prospect status this year, hitting 13 home runs in Triple-A before being called up last week. Even still, this would be an underwhelming return for a player that many believe is capable of winning an MVP at some point and is still just 25 years old. Of course, the lack of a long term deal will factor into the possible return, but this deal would definitely feel like the club would be selling low on the Montreal-born slugger.

Since we’re only about 22 percent through the season, it’s probably too early to start thinking about being trade deadline sellers. However, if the team continues to remain in the division basement, it may become increasingly likely that we see the Blue Jays pull the trigger on a big trade this summer.