Reporter names Guerrero Jr. as target for this division rival?

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter names Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as trade target for this division rival?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 13, 2024 6:32 PM ET

Throughout his career, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has repeated he will never play for the New York Yankees. But, in a shocking twist, could he end up wearing pinstripes?

On Thursday, Jim Bowden of the Athletic tabbed Guerrero as a potential trade candidate for the Yankees, noting they must improve their infield.

This season, Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo has spiraled into a slump. In 37 at-bats in June, the 2016 World Series champion has a .054 batting average, a .077 on-base percentage, a .081 slugging percentage and no home runs.

The Yankees could hope Rizzo, 34, heats up and ends his cold streak, but that seems unlikely. Targeting a potential replacement before the trade deadline passes on July 30 makes sense.

Guerrero, 25, could be an upgrade. After a slow start at the beginning of the season, the three-time All-Star is finding his groove. In 44 at-bats in June, he has recorded a .250 batting average, a .298 on-base percentage, a .432 slugging percentage and two homers.

A 109 MPH rocket #PLAKATA pic.twitter.com/UJE9yKuTGh
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 4, 2024

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins recently told SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio he would rather sign Guerrero to a multi-year deal than move him. (The slugger signed a one-year, $19.9M contract in February.) Even if Atkins changes his mind, would he trade the first baseman to a divisional rival?

The Chicago Cubs (33-35) have reportedly discussed pursuing Guerrero. Jon Hoefling of USA Today rates the Cubs farm system as the second best in baseball, which could make them a more attractive trade partner for the Blue Jays (33-35).

Still, the Yankees should consider kicking the tires on Guerrero. He may be a one-year rental, but he could help New York (49-22) capture its first championship since 2009.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: