Is it time for the Phillies to make another splash?
As new circulated on Tuesday that Toronto Blue Jays star 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would not be signing a contract extension before he reaches free agency in the 2025-26 offseason, teams across Major League Baseball are wondering if they have what is necessary to bring the young phenom onto their club.
This comes after Guerrero, in a conversation with reporters at the Blue Jays’ Spring Training complex in Dunedin, said that he and the Blue Jays were not close on the contract. Guerrero had set a deadline of Monday night to reach an agreement, wanting not to negotiate during the season.
Could the Phillies Swoop in on Vlad Jr.?
The Philadelphia Phillies are potentially in a position to make a push for the second-generation baseball star. With high-yield contracts like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto set to expire at the end of the season, there will be an influx of salary space available for the Phillies to utilize.
Guerrero would likely replace Schwarber as the everyday DH and possibly switch off with Bryce Harper or even Alec Bohm from time to time should either need a rest from the field.
Comparing Guerrero to Schwarber, Guerrero is the clear winner in 2024. Rocking a .940 OPS, 199 hits, and 30 home runs to Schwarber’s .851, 142, and 38, Guerrero provided a more consistent offensive threat than the Phillies’ leadoff hitter.
Reasons Why the Phillies Will Not Go After Guerrero
Guerrero Jr. has quite literally grown up with the sole intention of making a splash in Major League Baseball. With a Hall of Famer of a father guiding the way, Guerrero knows the value he can bring to a team.
Combine that with watching top sluggers across the League like Juan Soto capitalizing with even larger contracts by the year, Guerrero likely has it in mind to make himself a pretty penny over the offseason. While the Phillies could certainly pay Guerrero, the truth is there are better fish in the sea that the Phillies could go after. They could re-sign Schwarber or even go after Kyle Tucker, who is also set to enter free agency.
And then you add in the potential personality clash with the current Phillies team. The core of this Phillies team has a great culture going. The closest thing to a diva this Phillies team has is Bryce Harper, who has matured significantly since his “clown question, bro” days.
Guerrero, meanwhile, has a past of coming to blows with his team. In 2022, Guerrero had an altercation with then manager Charlie Montoyo. Montoyo was later fired and replaced with John Schneider, who was Guerrero’s hitting coach throughout the Minor Leagues.
This is not to say that Guerrero would not work in Philadelphia, but there are enough red flags and better options available that the Phillies should look elsewhere before pursuing the 25-year old.
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