3 moves the Blue Jays need to make after failing to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Tuesday marked one of the most important days in Toronto Blue Jays history, as it was Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s self-imposed deadline for he and Blue Jays to reach a contract extension. And, unfortunately for Blue Jays fans, that deadline came and went without an extension despite Toronto's front office saying it extending a “record setting offer” to the popular face of the franchise.

And, unless general manager Ross Atkins is able to make magic happen, Guerrero is now destined to enter free agency upon the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Here are three moves Toronto should make in response to help salvage the situation, the upcoming season and the future of the franchise.

3 moves the Blue Jays need to make after failing to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Extend Bo Bichette right now

Both Bichette and Guerrero had been the leaders of the Blue Jays over the past half decade, and the bulk of the Jays’ rebuild leading up to their debuts had been focussed on finding the right pieces to help complement them. Over that period, they've both grown into incredible offensive forces while helping lead the Blue Jays to some success on the field.

Now, with Guerrero on his way out by the end of the year, the Jays cannot afford to also lose Bichette, who will also be a free agent at the end of the season. Losing both would signify the end of the current era and would mean a rebuild is on the way. As a result, the Jays much pivot and lock down the 26-year-old star shortstop.

Yes, Bichette is coming off the worst season of his career, but he was also plagued with injuries. It wasn’t too long ago that Bichette led the American League in hits in back-to-back seasons, and there’s no question he's one of the most prolific hitters in the game when healthy.

And there always seems to be some kind of trade rumor swirling around Bichette, the Blue Jays should put that in the past and offer him a contract extension representative of his value.

If the Jays show him the money and continue to add impactful players, Toronto should be able to do continue to field a competitive team.