Why Red Sox Trading For Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Feels Unlikely

The Boston Red Sox may just have to play the waiting game when it comes to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported this week that Guerrero is possibly eyeing joining the Red Sox next offseason if he can’t come to a long-term extension in the near future with the Toronto Blue Jays.

There’s always the chance the Red Sox don’t let it get to that point and pull off a seismic trade for the right-handed slugger — Guerrero would fill a big need for Boston since it is after a righty power bat.

During the latest episode of NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” podcast, George Balekji and Travis Thomas explored the idea of Guerrero coming to Boston, but Balekji believed it coming via a trade is unlikely.

“It’s within the division, rivalry and the Red Sox are a team that’s ahead of you. Why help them get even further ahead?” Balekji said. “Yeah, you get their prospects in return. I get it. Tough to see that divisional trade going down. And for Vlad Jr., that’s something you go with the risk of let’s get him in free agency, we don’t have to give up anymore of our prospects.”

Guerrero reportedly is looking for a $450 million extension from the Blue Jays, and if he doesn’t get that, things could grow contentious between the two. That might force Toronto’s hand and end up trading Guerrero. He could serve as a massive rental for a World Series contender, but that opens the door to him liking the place he gets traded to.

That’s a risk the Red Sox just might have to take before trying to lure him to Boston in free agency next offseason.

You can watch all episodes of the “Boston Has Entered The Chat” podcast on YouTube and Spotify.