Why the Blue Jays should place Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on trade block

It sounds like the Toronto Blue Jays won't place first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the trade block before the deadline on July 30.

A rival executive told The Athletic's Jim Bowden that a deal involving Guerrero or Toronto shortstop Bo Bichette won't happen unless general manager Ross Atkins is replaced. 

In a recent appearance on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio, Atkins said trading Guerrero or Bichette "wouldn't make sense," and he would rather sign them to new contracts. Guerrero is on a one-year, $19.9M deal but will be arbitration-eligible in 2025.

However, it would be foolish for Atkins to not reconsider his strategy if both parties can't agree to a new deal before the deadline passes.
Guerrero has made three All-Star games in six seasons in Toronto, but the Blue Jays have consistently underachieved and failed to win a playoff series.

Toronto has failed to meet expectations again this season. Through 66 games, the Blue Jays (32-34) are fourth in the American League East, and Fangraphs Baseball gives them a 19.3% chance to make the playoffs. Perhaps it's time for a fresh start. 

Guerrero — who has posted a .287 batting average, .795 OPS, seven home runs and 30 RBI in 66 games — would generate interest if he became available. Bowden added the Chicago Cubs have "touched base" with the Blue Jays about the 25-year-old slugger.