Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rumors: Astros identify Blue Jays star as top target, per source

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might be playing for a different team after the MLB trade deadline, which is on July 30. The Blue Jays are off to a rough start (36-43, fifth in the AL East) this season, and there is one team that would be interested in the slugger should Toronto decide to part ways with him.

Astros writer Michael Schwab reported that the Houston Astros have the first baseman as their top target heading into the trade deadline.

The Astros might have to give up a lot in exchange but it would be a good bargain given the upside Guerrero Jr. possesses. Moreover, the first baseman would be under team control until 2026, giving them more years to use his potential before he becomes a free agent.

The Astros were off to a rough start themselves; however, they have now crawled their way up to second place with a 40-40 mark in the AL West. They have won eight of their last 10 games and have been an American League powerhouse as far as the postseason is concerned.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. makes a U-turn on his Yankees stance

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox (IMAGN)

Amid trade rumors, another report says that the Yankees might consider bringing in enforcements at first base in the form of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Interestingly, the Blue Jays star back in 2022 made a claim that he would "never sign with the Yankees, not even dead."

However, now he understands that "this is business" and that he would contribute wholeheartedly to any team that he is a part of.

"Sometimes one says things. It is not that I am trying to take back what I said about the Yankees," Guerrero told Virus Deportivo via Mike Rodriguez and ESPN.

"But this is a business. I sat down and spoke with my dad and my family, and this is a business... I'm a player, and if a team picks me or if they do something, it's because they need it, obviously, and I'll be happy to help any team."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .288 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs after 80 games this season. He is expected to become a free agent in 2026 and is presently under arbitration for one more season.