Even earlier than it was revealed in February that Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on observe to succeed in free company this fall, many speculated that New York Mets proprietor Steve Cohen had already devised a plan with group president of baseball operations David Stearns to pursue Guerrero.
It now appears that some baseball pundits suppose the Mets will not be energetic contributors within the Guerrero sweepstakes.
“Regardless of the hypothesis and the Mets’ well-stocked money drawer, people don’t imagine they’d be the one to pay [Guerrero],” MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported on Thursday. “Individuals across the recreation don’t see Mets honcho David Stearns spending that a lot cash on a slugging first baseman — even a younger one.”
Heyman supplied his replace after earlier tales revealed that Guerrero requested “$500M in current worth” throughout negotiations with the Blue Jays. Curiously, Heyman prompt Toronto may ultimately shut the hole and maintain onto Guerrero, partly as a result of the Jays have had “issue luring stars” in free company, similar to Mets outfielder Juan Soto.
In February, Cohen acknowledged that free company is “at all times dearer than you’ll be able to think about.” The truth that he has Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Brandon Nimmo locked down by way of big-money offers may consequence within the Mets letting a group such because the New York Yankees or Boston Pink Sox give Guerrero his desired contract.
Moreover, quite a few MLB reporters and analysts have repeatedly talked about that Stearns “by no means prioritized first base” all through his eight seasons as an government with the Milwaukee Brewers. Most Mets followers love Pete Alonso, however he solely acquired a two-year contract that included a participant opt-out after this season to return to the membership in February.
Some inside the group seemingly hope third baseman Brett Baty will turn into a revelation this yr to the purpose that 2024 breakout star Mark Vientos can transfer to first. Such a state of affairs would make Guerrero surplus to the necessities of the Amazins.
Then once more, Cohen may in the end ignore Stearns’ needs if the 2025 Mets fail to no less than attain the playoffs.
