A new report reveals what it will cost teams like the New York Mets or Boston Red Sox to land Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in a trade, and it is even bigger than some might expect.
It has been an eventful last few months for the Mets and Red Sox. Both organizations went into the offseason with the explicit goal of improving the roster in a big way. New York has been looking to add pieces for a potential World Series run in 2025. Boston wants to get back to being competitive and in the playoffs every year again.
Thus far, the two clubs have had very positive results. The Sox have improved their starting rotation mightily by landing young ace Garrett Crochet in a trade and adding two-time All-Star Walker Buehler. As for the Mets, they filled all their holes in the rotation and made a small move that saw them lure away New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto for the richest contract in sports history.
Yet, neither franchise is done this winter and there have been various MLB rumors in recent weeks linking them to a potential trade for Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With reports claiming they are in talks with the free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, it seems like a Guerrero trade is even more possible soon.
However, a new report has emerged on what the trade cost might be, and it could force the New York Mets or Boston Red Sox to wait until he hits free agency next offseason.
- Vladimir Guerrero stats (2024): .323 AVG, .396 OBP, .544 SLG, .940 OPS, 30 HR, 103 RBI, 98 R
New York Mets, Boston Red Sox would need to give up larger than expected haul in Vladimir Guerrero trade
“To even think about trading Guerrero, a package would have to include major leaguers and top prospects. And exceed the value the San Diego Padres received from the New York Yankees for Soto,” league sources said.” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported this week.
“For Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham, the Padres acquired right-handers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Johnny Brito, and Randy Vásquez, along with catcher Kyle Higashioka. They later made Thorpe the centerpiece of a trade for righty Dylan Cease.”
- Vladimir Guerrero contract: One year, $28.5 million
It was always going to cost a lot for any team to land the four-time All-Star. However, the rumored price is still a bit surprising. Soto was already seen as one of the great players in the game before last season. And he has a World Series title on his resume. Furthermore, the wild bidding war for his services this offseason shows the high opinion teams around the game have about him.
Guerrero is a top slugger in MLB. But he doesn’t play a premium position and is a year older than Soto. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out and if either team just waits until he hits the open market next winter.