Blue Jays are not giving up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. without a fight

The New York Mets may covet Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, that does not mean that the Blue Jays will roll over and hand their first baseman to the Mets.

Ben Nicholson-Smith from Sportsnet reported that the Blue Jays are "actively negotiating an extension" with Guerrero. Nicholson-Smith also speculated that trade rumors involving Guerrero and the Mets may be nothing more than an attempt to gain more leverage on free agent first baseman Pete Alonso.

This report does not mean that anything has changed regarding discussions. Guerrero had reportedly given the Blue Jays an ultimatum that an extension would need to be in place before spring training; otherwise, he would head to free agency. The two sides were not close to a deal at the end of December although lines of communication remain open.

Guerrero has developed into one of the best first basemen in the majors. The four-time All-Star posted a .323/.396/.544 batting line in his 697 plate appearances, hitting 30 homers and 44 doubles. He is easily the most important piece in the Blue Jays lineup and, at just 25 years old, should be a cornerstone player for years to come.

Locking Guerrero up with an extension could make a difference for the Blue Jays in other areas as well. The Blue Jays have been involved at the top of the free agent market in recent years but have been unable to lure those stars to Toronto. Keeping Guerrero on a long-term deal could help that cause.

Likewise, this report could be posturing on the Blue Jays end. While the Blue Jays want to keep Guerrero, a deal may be out of reach. The Blue Jays could drive the cost up on the Mets, improving their return as they look to reload.