"No more conversation" - MLB analyst firmly shuts down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette trade deadline discussions despite growing rumors

Veteran MLB insider Jim Bowden has strongly insisted that the Toronto Blue Jays wtrade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette this trade deadline. Bowden feels that even though the Blue Jays are certain to miss the postseason in 2024, they will keep hold of both their All-Star infielders for next year.

The Blue Jays are last in the American League East with a 46-56 record and are almost 10 games behind in the wildcard race. Nevertheless, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the top performer in their lineup and earned his fourth straight All-Star selection earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette is having his worst season in the MLB, but there's a high demand for both young stars.

Jim Bowden gave his perspective about the Blue Jays sluggers on Friday while answering questions from fans in his column for The Athletic.

"They are not trading Guerrero or Bichette at the deadline. Period. No more conversation. Carry on!," Bowden said flatly.

In response to another question from a Chicago Cubs fan, Bowden said the team is unlikely to pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. because of the price they would have to pay the Blue Jays to acquire his services.

"In terms of Guerrero, he’s not getting traded, and even if he were, the Cubs would have to trade their very best prospects to land him, which goes against what they’ve been doing as an organization for five years," Bowden answered.

Much like the Blue Jays, the Cubs are in last place of the National League Central with a 49-55 record, but they are just five and a half games behind a wildcard berth.

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Teams will have to go the extra mile to acquire Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hit 11 home runs since June 16 (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is enjoying another productive season, with a .296/.365/.487 slashline with 39 extra-base hits, which includes 18 home runs. However, he has been red-hot for the past month and a half, with a .336 batting average, .672 slugging, 1.033 OPS and 11 home runs since June 16.

Therefore, quite a few teams would like to bring in Guerrero Jr., as he would provide an instant boost to their lineups, although they will have to pay a premium price for it.

The 25-year-old first baseman is on a $19.9 million annual salary, while he's due for arbitration in 2025 and will become a free agent at the end of the next season.