Déjà vu for the Blue Jays

 

Photo From CBC

I know my blog is Leafs-focused most of the time, but those who know me understand that I follow many sports. I wanted to try something different and see how readers react.

The Winter Meetings and free agency period are now open, and the Blue Jays find themselves in the same position as last year. Last season, when Shohei Ohtani was the marquee free agent, the Jays' front office met with him and reportedly offered a $700 million contract. However, the Dodgers matched the Jays' offer and ultimately signed him. It was the right decision for Ohtani, who joined an already stacked lineup and went on to win a World Series.

Meanwhile, the Jays attempted to offer Matt Chapman $50 million on a multi-year deal, only to see him sign with San Francisco for less. Their $130 million offer for Cody Bellinger and pursuits of other big-name players also fell through. Instead, the Jays signed 38-year-old Justin Turner, Danny Vogelbach, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Unfortunately, all three players were off the roster before the season's end.

Now, Juan Soto is the top free agent of the 2024 offseason. Once again, fans are being told the Jays were the highest bidders for Soto, only for it to turn out false. The Mets swooped in with an offer of $765 million over 15 years, potentially reaching $805 million with bonuses. Losing out on yet another big target, the Blue Jays need a serious backup plan. Fortunately, this year’s free-agent pool offers better options than last year. Ross Atkins must prove he is serious about making the Blue Jays contenders.

For me, however, the biggest question surrounding the Blue Jays is what happens with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vladdy is entering the final year of his contract, coming off a stellar season. Let’s face it—he was the only bright spot, hitting 30 home runs, driving in 103 RBIs, and maintaining a .323 batting average. If management is smart, they will do whatever it takes to extend him because he’s arguably the main reason to watch this team.

Vladdy’s credentials are undeniable. He has 160 career home runs, and over 500 RBIs, is a Gold Glove-winning first baseman, and is a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. This year, he was named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year and Canada’s Athlete of the Year for 2024. There’s no question the Jays should lock him up with a long-term deal.

Now, I know some readers might ask, “What about Bo Bichette?” My thoughts on Bichette deserve their own article, so I’ll stick to Vlad Jr. for now.

Looking at things from Vladdy’s perspective, the situation becomes intriguing. Sure, there have been playoff appearances during his time with the Jays, but the team hasn’t won a single playoff game. While Vladdy shares some responsibility, the blame mostly lies with management. The Wild Card Series against the Twins is a prime example. In a must-win game, the Jays started José Berríos, who pitched three flawless innings against his former team. Then, inexplicably, manager John Schneider pulled Berríos for Yusei Kikuchi, supposedly because analytics suggested the Twins would adjust their lineup, giving Toronto an advantage. The move backfired spectacularly, and the Twins’ bats came alive, winning the game and the series.

Fast forward to the end of the 2024 season, and President Mark Shapiro claims at his press conference, “I can’t sleep at night because we didn’t make the playoffs.” Well, Mark, the team didn’t make the playoffs because the roster you and Ross Atkins built wasn’t good enough.

All this could lead Vladdy to wonder if staying in Toronto is worthwhile. After another disappointing season (72 wins), he might think, “This team hasn’t contended since I’ve been here; maybe it’s time to move on.”

If the Blue Jays don’t make meaningful moves this offseason and continue signing second-tier players, fans should stop buying tickets. It would send a message to Rogers, the team's owner, that fans won’t pay premium prices to watch a subpar product.

My gut tells me the front office won’t extend Vladdy. He’ll have another outstanding season, and by next December, he’ll likely hit free agency, with the New York Mets as a top contender for his services. Vlad Jr. is a $400–500 million player, and if the Mets make him an offer, he’d probably take it. The Mets’ owner isn’t afraid to spend big, and their roster could be very appealing to Vladdy. He’s friends with Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, and his brother Vladimir Miguel is in the Mets’ system. Playing with his brother could be another factor that sways him.

We’ll see what happens with the Blue Jays this offseason. I’ll still write about the Leafs, but I’d love to hear how readers feel about occasional Blue Jays articles during the Leafs’ downtime.

Thanks, as always, for reading!