"Blue Jays are not trading Vladimir Guerrero Jr." - Sportscaster offers clear direction for Mets' 2025 needs

Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was one of the arbitration-eligible players in the offseason. Earlier this week, the Jays and Guerrero Jr. agreed to a $28.5 million salary for the 2025 season.

However, rumors of a potential trade for the Blue Jays star haven't slowed, as the four-time All-Star has just one year of club control remaining in his contract. Unless he signs an extension with the franchise, Guerrero Jr. is going to be, arguably the biggest, free agent in the market after the 2025 season.

During a recent episode of WFAN'S "Rico Brogna" podcast, Mets sportscaster Evan Roberts dismissed talks of a potential Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade to the Mets in the offseason. When Roberts' co-host Pete Hoffman floated Guerrero Jr. as a potential pivot to Pete Alonso, he said (20:10 onwards):

"Well, first of all, there is no Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade available. Like, that's the thing. People have to understand the Blue Jays are not trading Vlad Guerrero Jr. right now. If they were, this would be very different, but him right now. They would trade him at the trade deadline, and I'll tell you right now.

"I don't think that's likely either because the American League is the freaking Junior varsity, and the Blue Jays could accidentally find themselves in a pennant race."

Even Roberts believes the Mets should prioritize Pete Alonso's signing in his free agency, even if it's on a pillow contract or a short-term deal, since both camps are seemingly at a standoff in negotiation.

"When we do Rico's next year, which we will, I'm sure his name will be discussed, but in terms of helping the Mets in 2025, he's not available. So that's why this Pete Alonso pillow deal is the best for everybody.

"It's the best for even those who want to move on from him because if you get him on this kind of contract and he ops out, maybe you move on. We're talking about this right now, in January of 2025 when Vladimir Guerrero Jr, is not available."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set to receive improved contract extension offer from Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s $28.5 million salary for the 2025 season is the third most for any arbitration-eligible player, behind Juan Soto ($31 million in 2024) and Shohei Ohtani ($30 million in 2023).

While the Blue Jays negated a potential arbitration hearing, the franchise is still far apart in their valuation of the player. According to insider Bob Nightengale, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is seeking a $450 million contract.

However, reports earlier this week claimed the Blue Jays were more than $100 million apart in their negotiations with the star slugger. But, the latest report from insider Hector Gomez claimed the Blue Jays are preparing a second offer, close to his demands.