As the offseason hot stove continues to heat up, some intriguing possibilities are beginning to take shape for next winter. One of the biggest storylines could revolve around the free agency of first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. His current team, the Toronto Blue Jays, would undoubtedly love to retain him—but so would the majority of MLB teams.
According to Harold Reynolds of MLB Network, however, Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as “Vladdy,” should consider signing with the Los Angeles Angels.
The MLB Network’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) fueled the speculation with a post that read, “Yankees getting over the hump? Vladdy to the Angels? #MLBNHotStove makes some predictions ⬇️.”
If Guerrero Jr. were to join the Angels, it would closely mirror the path of his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. The Hall of Famer left the Montreal Expos as a free agent in the early 2000s and signed with the Angels, where he enjoyed tremendous success.
Vladdy Jr. has already established himself as one of the premier players at his position and possesses MVP potential, much like his father once did. Could leaving Toronto for Southern California be the move that elevates his career to the next level? It’s a scenario that could unfold next offseason.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Angels could be good match next winter
The 2024 season was Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s best since his incredible 2021 campaign, and the timing couldn’t have been better. He posted an impressive 6.2 WAR, a stellar .323 batting average, and racked up 30 home runs along with 103 RBIs. If Guerrero can replicate that level of performance in 2025, he could be poised for a significant payday. Could the Angels, under GM Perry Minasian’s leadership, be the team to offer him that lucrative deal?
While Angels owner Arte Moreno has handed out major contracts before, it’s been a while since his last big free-agent splash—third baseman Anthony Rendon’s seven-year deal following the 2019 season. That signing has gone down as not only a major disappointment for the team but one of the worst contracts in MLB history. Considering that misstep, is it wise for the Angels to take another big-money gamble on Guerrero Jr.?
For Los Angeles, it could be the right move. If Guerrero can maintain his 2021 and 2024 peaks, he’d instantly become the best lineup partner Mike Trout has had since Shohei Ohtani departed for the Dodgers. It would also bring Guerrero full circle, following in his father’s footsteps once more. Playing in Los Angeles would amplify his star power, and there’s a strong argument that postseason runs in that market carry extra weight. For a player chasing greatness, much like his Hall-of-Fame father, the allure of the biggest stage could be impossible to resist. If it happens, it wouldn’t be surprising in the least.
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