Why the Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. saga could be similar to this rival’s superstar misstep

During the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays worked hard on an extension with their homegrown superstar slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But despite their efforts, they could not close the deal by the time spring training rolled around. The Jays are determined to hopefully work something out, whether it be an in-season extension or offseason re-signing.

However, the more things start dragging out, the more the situation could look eerily similar to another recent superstar’s misstep. In a recent episode of Sportsnet Blair and Barker show, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested that what is happening with Guerrero could turn out to be similar to what happened to the Boston Red Sox over five years ago.

Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could be similar to this rival’s superstar misstep

In 2019, the Boston Red Sox were a franchise stuck in a crossroads. They were coming off an 84 win season that saw them on the outside of the playoff picture, and they also were facing a decision about what to do with Mookie Betts and his impending extension.

In the end Boston and Betts never found a number they both agreed on, so Boston traded the superstar alongside David Price and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs. So how did the massive move impact the Red Sox?

Boston would end up finishing last in the American League East division in three of the next four seasons and out of the playoffs in four of the following five years. Both Downs and Verdugo are no longer with the organization, with Downs having negligible impact while Verdugo putting up some solid, yet not spectacular campaigns with the club. Wong is still with the Red Sox, but has just started to show some life last season with some decent offensive production.

As for Betts, he would go on to lead the Dodgers to five straight postseason berths alongside two World Series titles. And every home run and marquee moment he puts together with the Dodgers is just another reminder to Red Sox fans of what could have been.

And, if Guerrero leaves Toronto, Blue Jays' could have a similiar feelings.

"If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leaves, it feels like a Mookie Betts moment with the Red Sox, something that doesn’t need to happen and hangs over the franchise for years to come," Passan said on Blair and Barker.

While Guerrero and Betts are different players, Betts' impact on the game is similiar to Guerrero's.

Betts has done it all with the Dodgers, as the eight-time All-Star has been hit, .284 with132 home runs and 361 RBI in just 587 games with Los Angeles. He's also finished second in NL MVP voting twice, won two Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.

Passan said that he believes the Jays need to meet where Guerrero is at, and not the other way around. He also thinks the ”gap is small enough that it can and should be bridged” to get the deal done.

Guerrero's rounded into a star over the past couple years, so him leaving town is the last thing Blue Jays fans should want to see.

We can all see what happened to the Red Sox following the departure of Betts for an underwhelming trade package. Not only would the loss of Guerrero sting, but it would hurt even more if the return ended up setting the franchise back.