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

Start getting Orelvis Martinez ready for first base

If the Jays are really going to start preparing for a post-Guerrero world, the final move they should make is prepping top prospect Orelvis Martinez to be the first baseman of the future.

Having Martinez play first base would the Blue Jays in a variety of ways. Not only would it allow for John Schneider to have a way to keep Martinez in the lineup, but it would also help the Blue Jays have to avoid picking through next year's weak free agent class at first base. Other than Guerrero, the only top-tier option would be Canadian-born Josh Naylor. After that, the drop off in talent is massive, as the remaining names include Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana and Josh Bell.

While players like Pete Alonso, Yandy Díaz and Rhys Hoskins could be available if they opt out of their contracts, having Martinez at first would be a good contingency plan.

Martinez is the offensive power-hitting prospect that the Jays have in their system and would be the best internal option to replace Guerrero's production. Martinez been on a 30+ home run, 100+ pace in the minor leagues over the past three years, and most pundits seem to think that his power should easily translate to the major leagues.

While he missed a significant chunk of 2024, he seems poised to bounce-back in 2025.

While the Jays have given Martinez reps at second base, third base and shortstop over the past few minor league seasons, his defense has left a lot to be desired. His defensive deficiencies could be minimized at first base while also maximizing the presence of his bat in the lineup — not dissimilar to what the Blue Jays did with Guerrero Jr. when he first entered MLB.