The Toronto Blue Jays missed the opportunity to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term contract extension this offseason, and negotiations didn’t appear to be close. Now, with Guerrero set to hit free agency, the Blue Jays face two possible outcomes—either they lock him into a massive deal, potentially in the $500 million range, or they free up significant payroll to spend elsewhere.
Austin Owens of FanSided recently suggested that if Toronto doesn’t retain Guerrero, it could use that financial flexibility to pursue Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto in free agency next offseason.
“The Phillies currently have a very talented roster that could easily compete for a World Series title,” Owens wrote. “However, their core of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto is slowly getting up in age and a couple of their contracts are about to expire. Schwarber and Realmuto are both set to become free agents at the end of 2025 and really both could be options for the Blue Jays, but Realmuto’s leadership at a position that is hard to come by would be hard to pass up.”
While signing Realmuto would push fan-favorite Alejandro Kirk down the depth chart, the veteran catcher would provide a major boost to the Blue Jays’ roster. Realmuto, who remains a productive hitter with the ability to post an OPS+ over 100, would be a valuable addition to Toronto’s lineup.
If Guerrero walks, the Blue Jays could become a serious contender for several high-profile free agents, including Realmuto. With the Phillies facing some financial constraints, the star catcher may be on his way out of Philadelphia, and Toronto could emerge as an ideal landing spot.
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