Blue Jays open to a Guerrero Jr. move that could lead to big-time free agent signing

Now that the GM Meetings in San Antonio have wrapped up, we have a bit more of an idea of how each of the 30 teams will be approaching the rest of the offseason. Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins shed some light on his plans for his team this winter, even if it wasn't everything that fans wanted to hear.

In terms of internal moves, one of the ideas that had been bandied about on and off this past season was the possibility of superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moving from first base back across the diamond to the hot corner. The Blue Jays experimented with the shift to third during the season, having Guerrero line up there in 12 of his 121 games on the infield.

Blue Jays open to a Guerrero Jr. move that could lead to big-time free agent signing

Apparently, according to at least one MLB insider, the dream isn't dead. As the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported this week, the Jays are still considering the move on a more permanent basis — if it means they can sign a big-name free agent first baseman.

"The Blue Jays are open to moving Vlad Guerrero Jr. from first base to third, which could potentially open up a spot for Pete Alonso," according to Heyman.

Alonso, or "Polar Pete" as he's affectionately known, just finished up a successful six-season run as the New York Mets' first baseman after being their second-round pick in 2016.

The hulking right-hander hit .249 with an .854 OPS, 226 home runs and 586 RBI in his 846 games in a Mets uniform. Since making his debut in 2019, Alonso leads all first basemen in home runs and RBI and is fourth with 17.3 fWAR.

Turning 30 before Opening Day, Alonso is coming off a "down" year for him, in which he hit .240 with a .788 OPS but still popped 34 home runs and drove in 88. Those slightly depressed numbers won't sway interested teams from making him a lucrative offer this winter. Heck, the Blue Jays would have gladly taken another 30+ home run bat in their lineup in 2024.

As for Guerrero's potential move to third, it's a position he knows well having come up as a third baseman. The four-time All-Star even discussed the possibility of a long-term switch late this season. According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, it's a change he's more than open to.

“Obviously we haven't decided yet,” Guerrero said in late September, per Davidi. “If the decision is for me to move to third base to make the team better, I'm good with that. I will be working hard at third base. … But at the end of the day, whatever the team needs me to do, I'll be giving 100 percent there.”

Adding Alonso at first would undoubtedly make the team better, so there's no doubt Guerrero would be on board with the signing. It would give the Blue Jays two legitimate corner infield power threats at the top of the lineup and instantly help the front office take a step toward making Toronto's offense formidable once again.