Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has set himself up for an exciting free agent market after failing to finalize a long-term deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The first baseman, who is a cornerstone of the franchise, indicated that the two sides could not agree on terms by the February 18 deadline he established. Guerrero revealed that while the Blue Jays initially offered a hefty $340 million extension, he countered with a request for less than $600 million, closely noting the recent market shifts following Juan Soto's historic $765 million contract with the New York Mets.

As he heads into the 2024 season, Guerrero’s stats from last year—hitting .323 with 30 home runs—reinforce his value. The Blue Jays are also facing pressure, as other core players like Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt are entering free agency. Guerrero's ambition for a long-term contract through age 40 is indicative of the new standard for elite players, especially in light of recent contracts across the league.

Bo Bichette showcased his skills with a stellar performance, achieving three hits and driving in a run, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox during their spring training matchup. The game saw Bichette's impactful contributions beginning in the first inning, where he opened with a single, later scoring on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s double.

The Blue Jays capitalized on Bichette’s momentum by scoring three runs in the second inning, featuring impressive back-to-back home runs from Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider. Bichette added another single in the third, helping to extend Toronto's lead.

Bo Bichette continues to shine in spring training, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox with three hits and a pair of runs driven in. His performance included a first-inning single, which set the stage for a scoring spree, highlighted by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s double that helped tie the game. Bichette's contributions were crucial as he also drove in another run in the second inning with another single, putting the Blue Jays ahead 5-2.

Despite Chris Bassitt's rocky outing—yielding two earned runs over 2.1 innings—the Blue Jays managed to secure their seventh win of the preseason. The offensive surge included back-to-back home runs from Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider, reassuring the team's power as they prepare for the regular season. With Alejandro Kirk also adding to the offensive output, the Blue Jays look set to face the New York Yankees next, raising excitement for their upcoming matchups.

As the Blue Jays gear up for the 2024 MLB season, expectations are high, particularly for Bo Bichette, who has shown promising performance in spring training. His consistent contact and early extra-base hits suggest a return to his previous form, raising speculation about a potential long-term contract extension. Meanwhile, the team's management, led by Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro, remains under scrutiny following a disappointing playoff performance and speculation about trades involving stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, the Jays’ strong attendance figures indicate a solid business model. The organization emphasizes the importance of fan engagement, especially among Canadian supporters, who are encouraged to attend games at Rogers Centre.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.