Mets Explore Trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Amid Alonso Standoff

NEW YORK — The New York Mets are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade for Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as contract negotiations with first baseman Pete Alonso remain unresolved. On Wednesday, SNY‘s Andy Martino reported that the Mets had “checked in” on Guerrero’s availability, though no deal is imminent.

Guerrero, a four-time All-Star and elite slugger, is one of baseball’s most coveted players. At just 25 years old, he represents a long-term solution for any team willing to meet Toronto’s steep asking price. The Blue Jays and Guerrero avoided arbitration earlier this year by agreeing to a one-year, $28.5 million deal, but a long-term extension remains elusive. Guerrero has set a deadline for the start of spring training to finalize a new contract, raising speculation about his future in Toronto.

“To be as clear as possible … a Mets/Guerrero fit remains in the realm of fantasy baseball,” Martino wrote, tempering expectations. However, the possibility of a trade has sparked discussions about what it would take for the Mets to acquire Guerrero. Empire Sports Media‘s Ryan Garcia proposed a hypothetical trade package that includes top Mets prospects Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, Luisangel Acuña, and pitcher Tylor Megill.

“It’s a high price for the Mets to pay, as they’re losing arguably their best position player and pitching prospects, but in a deal like this, the Blue Jays are going to ask for a lot,” Garcia wrote. Williams, Tong, and Acuña are ranked as the Mets’ No. 2, 10, and 12 prospects, respectively, by MLB.com, while Megill has proven himself as a reliable starter in the majors.

Guerrero’s potential departure from Toronto hinges on whether the Blue Jays believe they can re-sign him. Reports suggest Guerrero turned down a $340 million offer from the team, with some speculating his asking price could exceed $400 million. Blue Jays reporter Scott Mitchell expressed skepticism about Guerrero’s willingness to stay, citing the lucrative deals signed by other stars like Juan Soto as a benchmark.

“There was apparently one 10-year offer, one 11-year offer, and one with deferred money, which the Vladdy camp was not interested in,” Mitchell said on the podcast “First Up.” “I’m struggling to see another $100 million on the table in the next month.”

If Guerrero is traded, it may not happen until the July deadline, leaving the Mets to weigh their options. With Alonso’s future uncertain, the team could turn to internal solutions, such as giving Brett Baty another chance at third base or moving Mark Vientos to first. Ronny Mauricio, recovering from a torn ACL, could also factor into the infield mix later in the season.

For now, the Mets remain focused on their current roster while keeping an eye on Guerrero’s situation. Whether they are willing to part with top prospects for a potential rental remains to be seen.