Boston Red Sox fans have every reason to be excited about next offseason.
On Tuesday, star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. told reporters he and the Toronto Blue Jays failed to agree to a contract extension before their pre-spring training deadline. In a follow-up report, MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed the favorites to sign Guerrero next offseason if he hits free agency as scheduled.
“(Very) early favorites to land Vlad Jr. this winter: 1. Red Sox 2. Mets (assuming Pete opts out) 3. Yankees,” Heyman wrote.
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Heyman’s note represents the latest evidence of the Red Sox setting their sights on Guerrero. And multiple offseason reports indicate Guerrero is intrigued by the possibility of landing in Boston.
That said, it’s fair to wonder how a potential Guerrero signing could impact some of the Red Sox’s established stars.
Guerrero projects as a short-term corner infielder but a long-term designated hitter. The same can be said for Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers and first baseman Triston Casas. Devers’ positional uncertainty has been a source of drama, with the slugger recently putting his foot down on a potential move off third base.
Nevertheless, the Red Sox would be justified in going all-in to sign Guerrero next offseason. Guerrero, who’ll turn 26 in March, hit .288 with 160 homers and an .863 OPS over his first six seasons with the Blue Jays.
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