MLB insider thinks Vladimir Guerrero Jr will sign with rival if he leaves Blue Jays

Extending star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should have been the number one goal of this offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays, but that seems to have taken a hit after the two sides avoided arbitration. Unfortunately for Toronto, if they cannot extend him this offseason, it is likely he leaves, but the rumored destination is bad news for the Blue Jays.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman believes that Boston is a team that Guerrero Jr. would sign with in free agency. That, of course, is if he doesn't sign a contract extension with Toronto. Extending him now is the priority, especially after all of these reporters are saying that it would be very hard for the Blue Jays to re-sign him in free agency.

That's usually the case, because the market expands and other teams present convincing arguments, offer more money, or providing a better opportunity.

Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could sign with Red Sox, per insider

Guerrero Jr. was rumored to say that he would love to play in Boston if he could not land a deal with Toronto, according to Bob Nightengale. That is obviously not a good sign for the Blue Jays' end of this situation, but it should push them to get more aggressive in their extension offers while they have the chance. They offered Juan Soto a massive contract earlier this offseason, so they have the money to spend, but they have missed out on almost every free big-name free agent that they have been tied to.

If the Blue Jays do not think they have a shot at Guerrero Jr., that may be why Pete Alonso has been a target recently. Nonetheless, trade rumors have been shut down regarding Guerrero Jr., so an extension may be in the works. Well, that's the optimistic spin on it. They could also be shut down because the Blue Jays' demands are excessive.

There is no doubt that the Blue Jays are at a crossroads with the immediate future of their franchise. This isn't a Yankees-Soto situation in which the player was always destined to hit free agency. There were reportedly opportunities for the Jays to get this deal done, and they weren't proactive enough. So if he lands within the AL East after leaving Toronto, it'll be viewed as a misstep for the ages.