Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees appear keen on landing three-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
– Despite a promising season, the Yankees might look for a replacement for current first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
– Guerrero’s move won’t be cheap, with his $19.9 million salary the highest awarded in a decision made in a hearing.
– The Toronto Blue Jays might entertain offers for Guerrero as they look to build their roster for the future.
A Perfect Season on the Horizon?
Despite a successful start to the 2024 season with a record of 33-17, the New York Yankees are reportedly on the lookout to boost their roster for a potential postseason run. While the team has yet to have a game started by Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu, their performance hasn’t dwindled. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer cited that the Yankees might be eyeing Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the esteemed first baseman from the Toronto Blue Jays, as a possible addition to their squad.
Potential Trade for Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero Jr. has a shining record as a three-time All-Star who finished second in the American League MVP voting in 2021. The young slugger, known for his exceptional game, won’t come easy or cheap for the Yankees, as suggested by Rymer.
The Toronto Blue Jays, despite a less-than-perfect 21-26 season, boast several sought-after trade prospects. Chavez indicated that they might consider moving Guerrero Jr., alongside Bo Bichette, to beef up their future lineup.
The Future of Yankees’ First Base
Currently, the Yankees’ first baseman position is held by the talented Anthony Rizzo, also a three-time All-Star with a host of accolades including a Silver Slugger, four Gold Glove Awards, and a Platinum Glove. However, rumors suggest that the Yankees might be planning to switch things up for the next season. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic has indicated that DJ LeMahieu could become the first baseman for the next season.
Rizzo’s recent performance, hampered by health issues, has been a topic of concern. After a stint with post-concussion syndrome resulting from a collision with the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. in May 2023, his numbers this season haven’t been impressive. Despite a recovery, the player has had a patchy season with signs of latest improvement. Nevertheless, the Yankees might see Guerrero as a possible replacement if Rizzo’s numbers don’t pick up.
Huge Price for a Heavy Hitter
The potential acquisition of Guerrero Jr. by the Yankees would come at a hefty cost. Guerrero Jr’s salary of $19.9 million is the highest ever decided in an arbitration hearing, making him a costly alternative to Rizzo. Despite a reduction in his home run rate and an OPS of .775 in 2024, Guerrero Jr. remains a viable option for the Yankees, who might be willing to pay the price if Rizzo’s performance doesn’t pick up.
While retaining Juan Soto remains the Yankees’ offseason priority, the potential trade for Guerrero Jr. is a move any Yankee aficionado would eagerly watch out for. Tackling the financial and game dynamics of the trade would propel the Yankees’ 2024 season into overdrive. With such possibilities on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to be a baseball fan indeed.