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MLB insider: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would ‘love to be with’ Red Sox
"If Guerrero doesn’t receive an extension by spring training, he’ll test free agency."
The Red Sox came up short in the Juan Soto sweepstakes earlier this offseason.
But could Boston be the preferred destination for another slugging superstar next winter?
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox are viewed as a potential landing spot for Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if he hits the open market after the 2025 season.
“If Guerrero doesn’t receive an extension by spring training, he’ll test free agency,” Nightengale reported Tuesday. “If Guerrero doesn’t return to the Blue Jays, he would love to be with the Red Sox, friends say, which may be why the Red Sox are hesitant in their pursuit of (Alex) Bregman.”
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If the Red Sox are looking to spend big on an impact bat in his prime, Guerrero is likely worth the steep investment that it’ll take to sign him next offseason. Nightengale noted that Guerrero wants at least $450 million on his next deal, adding that the infielder and Toronto “are at least $100 million apart.”
Guerrero finished sixth in the voting for the AL MVP in 2024, batting .323 with 30 home runs, 44 doubles, 103 RBI, and 98 runs scored. He already has four All-Star nods and a pair of Silver Sluggers on his resume, and will not turn 26 until March.
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Not only has Guerrero already established himself as one of the most feared sluggers in the big leagues, he’s also feasted at Fenway Park in his career. In 45 career games at Boston’s ballpark, Guerrero has batted .356 with 10 home runs, 25 walks, and 44 RBIs across 206 plate appearances.
Pairing Guerrero alongside his fellow Dominican countryman in Rafael Devers could give Boston one of the best 1-2 punches in MLB for years to come — with the prospect of Guerrero hitting free agency potentially steering the Red Sox away from acquiring another pricy right-handed bat this offseason like Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado.
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