MLB Free Agency Blog: Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. reportedly far apart on extension talks

Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. reportedly far apart on extension talks

The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are reportedly not close to a potential extension, with USA Today's Bob Nightengale writing that the team is "at least $100 million apart" from the 25-year-old's asking price of $450 million.

Guerrero is entering his final arbitration year, and is set for free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Nightengale also reports that if a deal cannot be reached by spring training, the Montreal native will opt to test the waters in free agency. The report cites that the Boston Red Sox, one of Toronto's division rivals, are a team that Guerrero "would love" to play for.

The four-time All-Star bounced back in a big way last season with a slash line of .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI for his best statistical year since a runner-up finish for MVP in 2021.

Guerrero's teammate, Bo Bichette, is also set for free agency after the 2025 season, with Nightengale adding that the shortstop is "as good as gone" at the conclusion of his contract.

Bichette struggled with injury for much of last season, with the Orlando native appearing in just half of Toronto's 162 game schedule. When he was healthy, the 26-year-old batted .225 with just four home runs and 31 RBI in 311 at-bats.

A two-time All-Star, Bichette led the AL in hits from 2021-22, and garnered MVP votes in three of the last four seasons.

Blue Jays still in the mix for top free agent hitters

After swinging and missing at Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernandez earlier this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly in the mix for top free agent sluggers Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today

Toronto is said to have shown the most interest in signing Bregman out of the five teams mentioned in the report, with the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets being listed as teams potentially vying for the 30-year-old's services.

Bregman, a two-time World Series champion, turned down a six-year, $156 million deal from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason according to Nightengale, and is seeking a deal closer to the $200 million mark.

The third baseman slashed .260/.315/.453 in 581 at-bats with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 2024, while taking home his first career Gold Glove after nine seasons in the MLB. He was ranked No. 8 on TSN's Top 75 Free Agents List at the beginning of the offseason.

Alonso, 30, has eight teams interested in signing him, with the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox. Nightengale reports that Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, are seeking a similar deal to Prince Fielder's nine-year, $214 million contract signed with the Detroit Tigers in 2012.

Toronto has shown the ability to offer large contracts to free agents, but have struggled to get potential deals over the finish line. Alonso would immediately bolster their lineup with a middle of the order bat that can offer protection behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and company.

The Mets, having already committing $981.1 million this winter between Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, Griffin Canning, Sean Manaea, and Soto, could be hard-pressed to add another long-term deal with significant money to their books in the same offseason.

Alonso posted a .788 OPS with 34 home runs and 88 RBI for the Mets in 162 games last season, and was selected to the All-Star team for the fourth time in his career. TSN's Top 75 Free Agents List ranked the Polar Bear at No. 5 among players on the market this winter.

Blue Jays among 'half dozen teams' interested in CP Estevez

The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently intrigued by another notable free agent as they are among "a half dozen teams" showing interest in closing pitcher Carlos Estevez, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.  

Toronto is in need of a closer after non-tendering Jordan Romano on Nov. 22. The Markham, Ont. native signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Dec. 6.

The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 2.45 ERA with 26 saves and 50 strikeouts over 55 innings with the Los Angeles Angels and Phillies in 2024. 

Estevez was acquired by Philadelphia in late July before the trade deadline. 

The native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic was an All-Star with the Angels in 2023 when he recorded 31 saves and a 3.90 ERA. He is No. 27 on TSN's Top 75 Free Agents List.

Estevez has a career 4.21 ERA over 438 career appearances with the Colorado Rockies, Angels and Phillies dating back to 2016. 

Yankees showing interest in Arraez

The New York Yankees have discussed a potential trade for San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports.

Arraez, a three-time batting champion, would help fill the void left in the Yankees' infield after Gleyber Torres signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers before the New Year.

Passan adds that New York had been eyeing a deal for Dodgers utilityman Gavin Lux, before Los Angeles traded the former top prospect to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Mike Sirota and a competitive balance round A pick on Monday night.

The Yankees have remained busy after falling short in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, having already added Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, Paul Goldschmidt, and Fernando Cruz to the roster this offseason.

Arraez is set for free agency at the end of 2025, with the Padres potentially looking to recoup assets for the 27-year-old after acquiring him from the Miami Marlins last season.

The San Felipe, Venezuela native hit .314 last season with four home runs and 46 RBI. He has earned three consecutive All-Star appearances across his first six seasons split between the Minnesota Twins, Marlins, and Padres.

Mets meet with LHP Scott

The New York Mets have met with free agent reliever Tanner Scott, the Athletic's Will Sammon reports.

Scott, 30, is coming off of his first All-Star appearance last season after recording a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves with 84 strikeouts in 72.0 innings pitched between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.

A former sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2014, Scott is considered to be one of the top bullpen arms on the market this winter. He came in at No. 25 on TSN's Top 75 Free Agents List, the highest reliever on the list.

The Mets already boast one of the best closers in all of baseball in Edwin Diaz, and could form a scary one-two punch to finish off games if a deal can be reached with Scott.