Amazin' Daily Briefing: April 7 2025 – Guerrero Jr. Signs Extension with Blue Jays; Mets Focus on Alonso and Internal Options
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has signed a record-setting contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, ending speculation about a potential pairing with Juan Soto on the New York Mets.
Guerrero Jr. Signs Extension with Blue Jays; Mets Focus on Alonso and Internal Options
The Toronto Blue Jays have secured first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a 14-year, $500 million contract extension, as reported by multiple sources . This agreement ranks as the third-largest in Major League Baseball history, following deals for Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani . Guerrero Jr., a four-time All-Star and the 2021 American League MVP runner-up, was set to become a free agent after the current season . The extension ensures his long-term presence in Toronto, eliminating any possibility of him joining another team in the near future.
With Guerrero Jr. off the market, the New York Mets' attention turns to their own first baseman, Pete Alonso. Alonso is in the final year of his contract and has started the 2025 season strongly, boasting a .290 batting average, three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a 1.066 OPS . His performance positions him as a key candidate for a contract extension to remain a cornerstone of the Mets' lineup.
Through the first nine games of the season, the Mets hold a 6-3 record, placing them second in the National League East, one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies . While Alonso has been a standout performer, other key players such as Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Brandon Nimmo have had inconsistent starts. Additionally, the bottom half of the lineup, including Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, Mark Vientos, Jose Siri, and Tyrone Taylor, has struggled offensively.
Second base has been a particular area of concern, with Baty and Acuña attempting to fill the void left by Jeff McNeil, who is recovering from an oblique strain. McNeil has begun taking batting practice and is experimenting with torpedo bats during his rehabilitation . His return is anticipated to bolster the infield and provide much-needed stability.
Looking ahead, the Mets are set to face the Miami Marlins and the Oakland Athletics in upcoming series . These matchups present opportunities for the team to improve their offensive output against opponents with less formidable pitching staffs.
In the outfield, Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor have underperformed at the plate. Should their struggles continue, the Mets may consider promoting top prospect Jett Williams later in the season, depending on his development .
At the catcher position, Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger have been managing duties in the absence of Francisco Álvarez, who is recovering from hand surgery and hopes to return within a 6-to-8-week timeframe . Torrens recently delivered a significant hit after being scratched from the starting lineup due to a forearm contusion .
Designated hitters Jesse Winker and Starling Marte have contributed to the lineup's depth. Winker re-signed with the Mets on a one-year deal and is expected to share DH duties with Marte .
As the season progresses, the Mets' management will need to assess internal options to address underperforming positions and determine whether additional moves are necessary to enhance the roster. With Guerrero Jr. no longer a potential acquisition, the focus shifts to maximizing the potential of existing talent and making strategic decisions for long-term success.
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