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MLB analyst Jeff Blair and Toronto Blue Jays insider Madison Shipman examined Chris Bassitt's comments about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. potentially moving to third base. Currently, Guerrero Jr. plays first base for the Blue Jays.
On Tuesday's episode of the "Chris Rose Rotation" podcast, Bassitt suggested that the four-time All-Star might consider switching to the more demanding third base to boost his value for his next contract, as he will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Bassitt's comments came on the heel of his unfiltered take on the team's lineup.
His opinions reached the ears of Jeff Blair, who, on Wednesday's episode of the "Blair and Barker" podcast, said:
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"When the Jays originally scouted him [Guerrero Jr.], Alex Anthopolous asked him, 'What's your favorite position?' and he said, third base." (Time stamp: 7:58)
Blair asked Shipman if she saw any possibility of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. becoming the Blue Jays' everyday third baseman. She replied:
"I can definitely see a world in which that happens. ... We talk all the time about needing to get some more bats into the lineup to be able to surround Vladdy. So that is he able to be pitched to in a ballgame, but also that he's got more people on base. He can score them and jump up that RBI number.
"It could open up vast possibilities when you can move him over the third base, and look for more people for the first base or DH role, what it may be, and look to him to be more consistently over at third base. I definitely think he has the athletic ability to do that." (Timestamp: 9:03)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits another homer; Blue Jays come back in Game 2
The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-3 at Rogers Centre on Tuesday, leveling the three-game home series in Game 2. After losing the opener on Monday, the hosts bounced back with a dominant performance.
In Game 1, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added to his exceptional 2024 season by hitting another home run, bringing his season tally to 26. He also has a .318 batting average and 81 RBIs. It eventually proved to be only a consolation as the Reds took the opener 6-3.
The Blue Jays will face the Reds again in a crunch clash on Wednesday, with the winner clinching the series.
