Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have been the bridesmaids to just about every free agent signing this winter. Toronto was in on Juan Soto but he chose the New York Mets. They were talking to Pete Alonso before he chose to go back to the Mets. Roki Sasaki was interested in Toronto before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you know of another free agent, they were probably in on them, too.
The string of offseason failures has to sting. But it hurts even more knowing the clock is ticking on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Blue Jays slugger is currently negotiating with Toronto and previously stated that the first day of Spring Training was a deadline for a long-term contract. While Boston can’t whip up a trade out of thin air (We’re not talking about Luka Doncic here.) there are a couple of ways this could go.
Let’s say Guerrero decides to stay in Toronto. The Blue Jays’ current Opening Day third baseman is Ernie Clement, who owns a career .249/.282/.361 batter’s line with 16 home runs and 76 RBI in four major league seasons. With Bo Bichette likely to leave after this season, it feels like Guerrero would be doing everything himself with their current lineup, which is where Devers’ arrival could help.
Toronto’s defense would be tough to watch with Devers at third base but it could be resolved by putting a few tanks into the third deck at Rogers Centre.
There’s also a world where Devers and Guerrero become the focal points of a blockbuster trade. Toronto would have to deal with the long-term ramifications of Devers at third base while he ages but Boston could come out ahead by grabbing Guerrero even if it means including Casas in the trade.
Dealing within the division is always a bold move. But if Toronto can’t work out a deal with their star, it’s at least worth the call.