Guerrero Jr.’s flexibility provides the Blue Jays with multiple options during the offseason.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may have transitioned from third to first base before the 2020 season, but he never mentally let go of his original spot at third.
“That’s my position,” says the four-time all-star first baseman, matter-of-factly.
So, when the idea of returning to third base in 2025 is raised, Guerrero is quick to respond, “I would love to.”
Over 12 games and 100 innings at third this season, including his 11th start in Saturday’s 3-2 Blue Jays loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, Guerrero has reacclimated to the position, despite playing only four innings there between 2021 and 2022 since his rookie year in 2019.
Could Guerrero Jr.’s strong season suggest a permanent shift back to third?
His openness to switching positions provides the Blue Jays with various options this offseason, particularly as they aim to fill a key lineup gap left by Teoscar Hernandez’s trade to Seattle after the 2022 season.
“Obviously, we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Guerrero said through his interpreter Hector Lebron, after reaching a career-best 191 hits for the season. “If the decision is for me to move to third base to make the team better, I’m ready for it. I’ll work hard at third base… But ultimately, I’ll give 100 percent wherever the team needs me.”
Teams in need of offensive power could find it in the free-agent market for first basemen this winter, with names like Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Bell, and possibly Rhys Hoskins available. The market for third basemen, however, is much thinner, especially after Matt Chapman’s recent $151-million deal with the San Francisco Giants, which likely raised Alex Bregman’s price significantly.
Beyond Bregman, other options include Eugenio Suarez, who may be available if Arizona declines his $15 million option, though the Blue Jays showed no interest in him last offseason when Seattle was looking to unload his contract. Otherwise, the third-base market consists mostly of replacement-level players that don’t address the Blue Jays’ needs.
The trade market offers other possibilities, or the Blue Jays could stay in-house, potentially playing Spencer Horwitz at first base—he drove in a run during Saturday’s game—and pursue an impact bat for positions like second base, left field, or DH.
Regardless of what happens, the 2022 Gold Glove winner at first is more than willing to embrace the increased demands of a full season at third base.
“Even if it’s 200 games, I’ll be ready. That’s my position,” Guerrero reaffirmed. “Just like when I moved to first base, you have to adapt. If I know I’ll be the third baseman, I’ll work hard to adjust. But again, that’s my position, so I’ll be fine.”
