What might a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade to the Yankees look like?
By Nick Prasad
2 days agoSurrounding baseball north of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays brand has been representing the “sellers” category as of late. As weeks go by, more and more we are hearing about the trade deadline, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s name has been tossed around.
It’s not a secret that Toronto may be on the verge of a roster blow-up. Maybe not as intense as a blow-up, but more so a garage sale. This flea market of sales would start with the Blue Jays’ most valuable piece, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
It would be a heartbreaking situation to let go of Toronto’s top homegrown talent. What would be more tragic than that? Letting that talent walk with no return. The Blue Jays have no interest in a contract extension (to this point at least), leaving it up to the first baseman to test free agency and get his bag.
The Blue Jays offense has been absent this season and a huge population of Blue Jays faithful holds him responsible. Yes, his 2024 performance so far has been an underachievement, however, if he was batting .350 plus with 20 home runs, Toronto would probably still be in the same predicament.
The fact of the matter is, Guerrero is drawing attention throughout the league. The number one club with regard to interest is the New York Yankees. This week Guerrero Jr retraced his thoughts on playing for the Yankees.
He mentioned to reporters that he would not take back what he said. He also mentioned that he communicated with his family, his dad specifically. Guerrero Jr concluded that this is a business and he would be happy to help any team.
The Yankees need a hot bat at first base. The right side of the infield has been quiet on offence, and New York had lost Anthony Rizzo for up to six weeks due to injury. A heavy bat that can play both corner infield spots would help the team in their pennant chase.
If the Blue Jays decide to strike a deal with the opposition, Toronto needs to understand the value of their slugger. The Jays can get a great return from the Bronx Bombers.
The lead-off should be someone with a projectable bat and the ability to play first base and third or another infield position. Ben Rice is known for his bat, plays first, and catches. Rice hits from the left side and displayed great numbers the past two seasons.
He’s ranked 12th of the Yankees top 30 prospects. Rice was recently called up and made his major league debut in the absence of Anthony Rizzo. Rice would top my list. Second up would be the Yankees fourth-ranked prospect, Roderick Arias.
Arias is a switch-hitting shortstop signed as an international free agent. Although the Jays have a solidified shortstop in Bo Bichette, he is also not off the table with regard to the deadline. Arias can be a strong piece for the future or collateral for a bigger deal.
If it made sense to grab a pitcher in such a deal, it would be a lefty with projectability and value. Southpaw Henry Lalane sits in the eighth-ranked prospect spot. He touches up to 97 mph with two strong off-speed options and great command on all pitches. Lalane projects to be a starter and he is adaptable to adding more pitch options.
A huge ask from Toronto would be a key prospect off the 40-man roster. Oswaldo Cabrera would be a suitable candidate. However, that would be grabbing New York by the neck. This primary third baseman could be locked up long term, and for the time being, move Justin Turner to first base.
The Blue Jays hold some powerful cards in terms of trade collateral. The team can benefit from its nearly expired talent towards building a future.
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