MLB analyst outlines bold Blue Jays strategy if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leaves

If the Toronto Blue Jays cannot keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the long run, they might have a backup plan, but they'll need to enact it now. Guerrero Jr. is only under team control through 2025, as he's poised for a big free agency next winter.

The Blue Jays have struggled and may not be equipped or interested in spending big money on the first baseman. They may be forced to start a rebuild, which doesn't include a possible $300 million contract for Guerrero Jr.

If that's the case, then former GM Steve Phillips has a plan and it involves going after Pete Alonso.

"If the Blue Jays decide that they can't sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr., they could jump in on Pete Alonso, and they should," Phillips said on MLB Network. "If the Blue Jays get Roki Sasaki, they might go all-in this year ... they could sign Alonso, sign Bregman, sign Santander, sign Sasaki, trade Bassitt ... Then you could keep Vladdy or trade him to the Mets."

Phillips also said they could trade Guerrero Jr. to the Seattle Mariners for Bryce Miller and end up with a much stronger rotation and an improved offense with more team control for the future.

It remains to be seen if the Blue Jays want to do this, but all the players Phillips named are still available. A few of them, including Roki Sasaki and Anthony Santander, have already been linked to the Jays.

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Mets reportedly working on package for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The plan Steve Phillips outlined above is not totally far-fetched, and the New York Mets could be interested in doing their part. They have reportedly considered making an offer to the Blue Jays as their standoff with Pete Alonso continues.

Mike Rodriguez confirmed that the Mets are working up the package to try and land the All-Star first baseman. It would likely require a lot of prospects, but the Mets would presumably extend him relatively quickly if they did pull this off. They've spent a lot of money and haven't shown signs of slowing down as they try and build a true contender.