Report: Blue Jays "Never Came Close" To Signing Guerrero or Bichette to Extensions

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to careen uncontrollably towards the trade deadline with the obvious need to be sellers. A recent seven-game losing streak leaves them buried in the AL East basement, as well as in the Wild Card chase.

The biggest names, of course, that the Jays could sell on are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, both of whom become unrestricted free agents after the 2025 season. Is there still any thought that they could try to re-sign either of the faces of their franchise? According to insider Jon Heyman, if you go by the history of their negotiations, it's not very likely.

Word is, past long-term negotiations with both stars never came close to agreement. And folks who know the pair believe the Jays have little to no chance to lock up Bichette, and maybe only a slightly better chance with Guerrero.

While the Jays had to go to arbitration to get Guerrero's contract done for this season (losing to his $19.9 million bid), they did get Bichette to at least sign a three-year deal prior to the 2023 season to avoid arbitration until his UFA year.

It was only yesterday that Bichette reacted to a question about whether he'd be surprised if he is traded at the deadline with a stunning answer.

If Toronto does decide to cut bait on either of their young stars, the interested suitors would differ for each one. For Bichette, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the most notable team that is desperate for a shortstop, not only because Mookie Betts is out for some time, but it would also allow them to move Betts once he returns to his more suitable position of 2B, or even the outfield.

Guerrero's expected suitors have been noted to be the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, all of whom need an upgrade at 1B... And what team could use a first baseman more than the New York Yankees?? But we all know what Vladdy's feelings are about the Bronx Bombers:

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: "I like to play in New York, I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even dead."

Ok, Vladdy, respect 🫡

(via @ElDotolNastra)

https://t.co/e7BWHgR3FW
— Red Sox Daily (@RedSoxDaily_) November 5, 2022