4 changes the Blue Jays must make immediately after 2024 debacle

Sign Vladdy to an extension and make him the face of the franchise

For a while, there was a strong debate as to who was the face of the Jays’ franchise. Was it Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? After all, Guerrero displayed a gradual decline in his overall numbers since his MVP-calibre season in 2021, whereas Bichette had been a consistent top hitter in the league throughout that same time. In doing so, it appeared as though that honour was tilting in favour of Bichette. Consequently, many felt that the Jays should focus on discussing an extension with the star shortstop as their priority.

However, a tumultuous 2024 season for both Bichette and Guerrero has significantly altered the landscape in Jays’ land. Bichette had perhaps his worst ever season in his MLB career, posting an abysmal .225 average, .598 OPS, with 29 runs scored, 4 home runs and 31 RBI in 81 games played. He was also plagued by injuries over the course of the season, which may have played a role in his underwhelming performance. 

On the other hand, after struggling mightily in the first month of 2024, Guerrero bounced back in a huge way for the rest of the season, often carrying the team on his shoulders in the process. In the end, he performed once again as the superstar that many were expecting of him, compiling a strong .323 average, .940 OPS, 98 runs scored, 44 doubles, 30 home runs, 103 RBI while falling just one hit short of 200 on the season. There was no doubt that prime Vladdy was back.

With Bichette being surrounded by trade talks and rumors of potentially moving on from the club throughout the summer, Guerrero had adamantlyreconfirmed that he wanted to stay and win with the Jays. As a result, the Jays must act now and make Guerrero the priority for a long-term extension instead of Bichette if their goal is to win. On top of that, for someone as determined and dedicated to the organization as Guerrero, Jays’ management should annoint him the face of the franchise going forward for good to help lead the team to success.