Vladimir Guerrero Jr. confirmed to reporters that he did not reach a contract extension with the Blue Jays before his self-imposed deadline, meaning he will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.
Immediately, ears perked up across Queens, as the 25-year-old superstar has been linked to the Mets given Steve Cohen’s wealth and the potential opening at first base after this season, even after New York brought back Pete Alonso.
Sal Licata maintained his belief that Guerrero will be a Met, and after hearing Tuesday’s news, he is holding an even firmer belief that it is going to happen, whether it be this summer or next offseason.
“The path to a brighter future has taken another step in the right direction for the Mets,” Sal said. “He’s going to hit free agency, which means Toronto would probably be smart to move him here. That could be an addition here. If it’s not during the season it’ll be in the offseason, but I still firmly believe that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is going to be the Mets first baseman.”
Guerrero added that he wants to be a Blue Jay for life, but Sal doesn’t believe he will be able to turn down the payday that Cohen would offer, which could lead Toronto to seek a trade during the season, especially as they continue to whiff on signing the game’s biggest stars.
“Every day that goes on, Toronto is losing leverage. Now, they have no leverage,” Sal said. “He said ‘They’re gonna have to beat 29 other teams.’ Good luck doing that.
“I wouldn’t say go do it right now, but if it’s there and the price is right, you do it and figure out the pitching another way.”