Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Want to Keep Star Ahead of MLB Deadline

Even though the Toronto Blue Jays seem like an obvious seller leading up to the trade deadline, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may not be one of the players they are looking to move.

Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Blue Jays want to keep Guerrero and he is "open" to staying with the club on a long-term deal.

Rumors about Toronto's plans are all over the place right now, which isn't completely surprising with just over two weeks remaining before the deadline.

Feinsand wrote on Wednesday that the Blue Jays have told other teams they are willing to move players on expiring contracts, but anyone under control past 2024 won't be traded.

One of those players on an expiring deal was Kevin Kiermaier, who was placed on waivers on Thursday. He wasn't likely going to bring back much in a trade anyway since he's hitting .191/.238/.295 in 71 games.

Other Toronto players whose contract runs out after this season include Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner and Yimi Garcia. Guerrero has one more year of team control before he can become a free agent. Bo Bichette is signed through 2025. Kevin Gausman has two years left on his deal beyond 2024. José Berríos has an opt-out clause after 2026.

Guerrero still hasn't gotten back to the 2021 form when he finished second in AL MVP voting, but he is having a very good season. The 25-year-old has a .287/.361/.448 slash line with 13 homers and 53 RBI in 402 plate appearances.

The Blue Jays enter their weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 43-50 record. They are 8.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final wild card spot in the AL.

Toronto has made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and three of the previous four years. The club has lost seven straight postseason games dating back to the 2016 ALCS.