Picture the
Toronto Blue Jays keeping first baseman
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. long-term. Trading shortstop
Bo Bichette. Signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
None of those outcomes is particularly likely. All, however, are in play, according to sources briefed on the Jays’ discussions.
The Jays are in talks with Guerrero about a long-term extension that would buy him out of his final year of arbitration and free agency. They are fielding interest in Bichette, who also is entering his walk year. And they are at least on the periphery of the Bregman sweepstakes, though other free agents, for now, appear better fits.
The perception within the industry remains that the Jays are desperate to do something big. Club president Mark Shapiro is in the final year of his contract. General manager Ross Atkins has just two years left. And the team is coming off a season in which it finished last in the AL East and won only 74 games.