Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says that he is ready for a full-time third base gig in 2025

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not argue when he was asked to switch his position from third base to first base, all the way back in 2020 as his full-time position. However, the potential of making a a return back to the old position more frequently has never left the 25-year old's mind.

When asked about the idea of being the team's everyday third baseman coming into 2025, Guerrero's feelings didn't waiver. "I would love to." he said.

Guerrero has been the teams starting first baseman for five consecutive seasons, and has only got limited opportunities to play at third throughout those years. The decision proved to be an effective one, as he would end up winning his first ever Gold Glove Award at his new position back in 2022, seemingly marking his transition to across the diamond as a permanent one. However, the conversation has started back up again, and Guerrero feels qualified to make the shift.

“If the decision is for me to move to third base to make the team better, I'm good with that." Guerrero said through translator Hector Lebron. “But at the end of the day, whatever the team needs me to do, I'll be giving 100 percent there.”

If this idea does move forward, that opens up a door of new opportunities for the Blue Jays to address. The market for 3B is relatively thin, with only Alex Bregman guaranteed to reach free agency, and slated to get a multi-year contract. Eugenio Suarez is another potential name to consider, however he has a club option for next season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The internal options at third base are limited as well. Ernie Clement stepped up to be the teams most consistent face at the hot corner this year, playing 81 games there. Clement has done a strong job there, accumulating 2 OAA at third base, but a potential switch in positions could allow Clement to be more in that utility role the Jays are hoping to use him in.

This conversation being started is not very different from when Freddie Freeman was in free agency. With Freeman being an established first baseman, and the Blue Jays actively pursuing him, the idea of sticking Guerrero at third base more seemed more and more likely. With Freeman opting to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the concept of Guerrero returning to third never really blossomed.

On one hand, Guerrero getting his share of playing third base makes it easier for the Blue Jays to go after a proper LF or DH in the offseason, which are both still glaring needs on the roster. The risk involved is that his first stint at third base in his rookie season was far from ideal. Guerrero made 17 errors in 96 games at third, while posting -20 OAA, which was the worst mark of any 3B that season.

It's been a long time since that initial experiment, and Guerrero seems willing to do whatever is asked of him next year. "If I know I'm going to be the third baseman, I'll be preparing myself, working very hard to adapt to third." Guerrero said. "But again, that's my position, so I'll be fine there.”

Guerrero is set to be a free agent after 2025, and he has spoken on the fact that he'd like to play in Toronto for his entire career. Having some further opportunity to play "his position" may come into effect about how he sees his long term future with the Blue Jays.