Could the Chicago Cubs bag Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for their “all in” 2025 season?
That’s what one analyst believes.
Currently in the middle of a fierce extension dispute with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 25-year-old talent is set to hit the open market as a free agent after the 2025 season. And while he’s stated his desire to remain in Toronto, he’s also made it abundantly clear that he’s not happy with the team’s offers thus far and that he’s shutting down talks when spring training begins.
Could The Blue Jays Be Looking To Trade Guerrero?
So, from the Blue Jays perspective, it may make sense to deal their slugger and get some talent back in anticipation of losing him.
Jim Riley of the BallCap Sports YouTube channel sees the Cubs as a possible fit for Guerrero and he’s also cooked up the return package that might entice Toronto to make a deal.
Per Riley:
“It is going to be Kevin Alcantara, he’s the prize piece, along with Javier Assad and Cole Mathis. Alcantara is the number 76 prospect in baseball. Assad probably works into the rotation immediately and you’ve got Cole Mathis as the number 12 prospect in the Cubs organization. So you get an outfielder, a prospect outfielder who did make his debut last year, a project prospect in Mathis, who also is listed as a pitcher, and you’ve got Assad who is there immediately making a big impact right away, day one.”
On the surface, the swap seems far-fetched.
A Far-Fetched Deal For The Chicago Cubs
It’s doubtful that the Chicago Cubs, after trading for Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, would bring aboard another big-ticket star in the last year of team control, who they will most likely not be able to re-sign. For Chicago, bringing aboard Tucker and Guerrero would mean that anything other than a deep playoff run or World Series appearance would be considered a major loss for the franchise– and the loss of significant young talent for two, ultimately pointless, one-year star rentals.
But…
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is special
A lot was expected from Guerrero as he emerged as a teenage mega-prospect. The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Sr., Guerrero was watched and talked about as a “can’t miss” prospect and, in some quarters, given the preposterously grandiose tag of “best prospect ever.” But, amazingly, for the most part, he’s lived up to the hype.
The Toronto Blue Jays first basemen, since hitting his offensive stride in 2021, has averaged 34 home runs and 101.25 RBIs a year.
Contemporary great Aaron Judge has vouched for Guerrero’s greatness.
“It’s impressive to see his approach,” The Yankee outfielder said. “He just looks like he’s never off balance, never fooled. He’s on every single pitch.”
Baseball America issued the following high praise via scouting report:
“Guerrero is a prodigious offensive talent, with the combination of hitting ability, plate discipline and power in the mold of Manny Ramirez. Guerrero has high-end bat speed and outstanding bat control. With hitting mannerisms reminiscent of his father, Guerrero has a compact but aggressive swing.”
He’s a “real one,” indeed.
But Chicago Cubs fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Although it would be beautiful to see the righty/lefty Guerrero/Tucker tandem in the Cubs’ starting lineup, it’s tough to see a Guerrero-to-Chicago deal happening.
Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul Magno via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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