BREAKING: 2 key-player trade proposal from Mariners sends $19 million slugger to Seattle.
The Toronto Blue Jays began the 2024 season with hopes of making the postseason. However, the regular season has not started well for them. Rumors suggest that Toronto is considering trading first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette. There is speculation about whether Vlad Jr. might be traded to a team like the Seattle Mariners before the trade deadline.
Zachary D. Rymer from Bleacher Report has listed 10 possible destinations for Guerrero as trade rumors continue to circulate. Topping his list are the Mariners. Here is his proposed trade:
– Mariners receive: first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
– Blue Jays receive: outfield prospect Lazaro Montes and cash
Montes is 19 years old and currently playing in Single-A. According to MLB.com, he is ranked as Seattle’s fourth-best prospect in 2024.
“Ty France, with an OPS of .692 since the 2022 All-Star break, is becoming less favored at first base,” Rymer noted. “Mitch Garver, who is relatively new to the DH role, is also testing Seattle’s patience with a .625 OPS.
“These issues make Guerrero a good fit for Seattle, and it’s important to consider that the Mariners need his hitting ability just as much as his power. They have a strikeout rate of 27.9 percent, while Guerrero’s is only 19.4 percent.”
Could a Change of Scenery Wake up Guerrero’s Bat?
As of May 22, the Blue Jays hold a 21-26 record, placing them in last place and 10.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. This disappointing start comes despite the team’s postseason appearances in three of the last four years.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also struggling to find his groove at the plate. In his first 206 plate appearances, he has posted a .279/.374/.385 slash line, with 11 extra-base hits (seven doubles and four home runs), 21 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. This performance suggests a concerning trend for the 25-year-old slugger, as his breakout 2021 season might remain an outlier.
During that standout campaign, Vlad Jr. slashed .311/.401/.601 with 48 homers, 111 RBIs, and 123 runs scored over 698 plate appearances, earning an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a second-place finish in AL MVP voting.
However, his power numbers and overall offensive production have declined since then. He hit 32 homers with 97 RBIs in 2022 and 26 homers with 94 RBIs in 2023.
A change of scenery might help Guerrero regain his previous form. Joining the first-place Mariners, who are eager to return to the postseason, could provide the fresh start he needs to reach his full potential again.
Guerrero Wouldn’t Solely Be a Rental for the Mariners
After winning his arbitration case this past winter, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is earning $19.9 million this season, according to Spotrac. While this is a substantial salary, it’s one the Mariners could manage, given their $139 million payroll ranks 17th in baseball.
Acquiring Guerrero could provide a significant boost to Seattle’s struggling offense this year and have implications for next season as well, considering Guerrero isn’t set to become a free agent until after 2025.
Although giving up top prospects in trades is always a difficult decision, acquiring Guerrero could enhance the Mariners’ chances of returning to the postseason. After experiencing the playoffs in 2022 following a 21-year drought and then missing out in 2023, the Mariners are likely feeling a strong sense of urgency to make it back to October this season.