What would it take for Padres to land Blue Jays star?

The San Diego Padres have endured a tough offseason but one move that could change it all would be to land star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays. Guerrero is coming off a strong season with the Blue Jays in 2024 and could cash in on a massive contract next winter if he can repeat in 2025.

The question for San Diego is how much they have to give up. They're no strangers to that type of deal, having moved Juan Soto in his final control year. Guerrero isn't the same level of hitter as Soto, but isn't too far removed. Bleacher Report created a trade proposal, with our sister site Jays Journal writing about it, the Padres sending infielder Jake Cronenworth, left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui, and top prospect Leodalis DeVries.

That is not a deal that makes sense for both sides. The Padres would be loath to include their top prospect, who ranks 18th overall on MLB's Top 100 prospects list, but isn't necessarily blocked. Also the return is very light for a player that could be the top free agent next offseason.

From Toronto's perspective, they need to add players that can help them win in 2025. So any potential deal should include either Michael King or Dylan Cease, along with Cronenworth. Cease's higher salary but stronger track record could make sense. His contract plus Cronenworth's add up to about $26 million, which would mostly offset the $28.5 million Guerrero is owed for 2025.

The deal makes sense for the Padres, as not only do they acquire an elite bat to strengthen their lineup, they also get a light contract to go along with it. Adding Guerrero would place him in the middle of an already strong lineup along side Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts. However it leaves a potential hole at second base, meaning they would have to either make another move or rely on a Tyler Wade and Mike Brosseau platoon.

With the major league side of the trade ready to go, the question is rounding out the deal. It will likely take multiple prospects, likely ones who can contribute by 2026. Two arms that come to mind are Henry Baez and Sean Reynolds. Baez is projected to pitch 2025 in Triple-A and could be a potential late-season call-up candidate while Reynolds could immediately contribute in Toronto's bullpen after a solid 2024 debut.

With three players who can immediately contribute for the Blue Jays in 2025 plus a pitching prospect who's close to the big leagues. It's an offer that Toronto would be hard-pressed to turn down.