The Toronto Blue Jays missed the postseason for the first time since 2021 after finishing with a record of 74-88 and in last place in the American League East.
It was a tough season for the Blue Jays, and residing in one of the toughest divisions in Major League Baseball doesn’t make anything easier going forward.
Competing with the defending American League champion New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays will have their work cut out to win a division title in 2025.
The Blue Jays did make a couple of notable acquisitions this offseason, but their bigger issue lies with star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
MLB analyst A.J. Pierzynski recently said he believes Guerrero will leave the Blue Jays.
“I can’t see him going back there,” Pierzynski said, via Foul Territory.
"I can't see him going back"@ajpierzynski12 reacts to Mark Shapiro's comments on Vladamir Guerrero Jr's failed contract extension talks. pic.twitter.com/Z9im5nia4b
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 18, 2025
Pierzynski mentions that comments from Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro appear to reveal the Blue Jays won’t pay Guerrero his asking price.
In 2024, Guerrero played 159 games and batted .323 with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs and a .940 OPS.
Guerrero likely wants a ton of money in his next contract, and it doesn’t appear the Blue Jays are going to pay him enough to stay.
With numbers that put him in the elite category of hitters, the Blue Jays could miss out on signing Guerrero to an extension.
NEXT: Former GM Believes Vladimir Guerrero Could Be On Trade Block