Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says he would sign with Yankees in free agency

For years, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made one thing crystal clear: he would never play for the New York Yankees. In 2022, he famously declared, “I like to play in New York. I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even when I’m dead.” Strong words. Words that Yankees fans gleefully weaponized and Blue Jays fans embraced as proof of his loyalty.

Yet here we are in 2025, and Guerrero appears to be rewriting his own story. In a recent interview with the New York Post, he admitted that when he hits free agency this winter, all 30 teams—including the Yankees—will have the chance to sit down with him.

“If I go to free agency, every team — all 30 teams — are going to have the opportunity to sit down with [me], to talk to me,” Guerrero stated through an interpreter. “I’m OK with everything. It’s in the past.”

Wait, what? The Yankees, those Yankees, are suddenly a viable option? What happened to all that deep-rooted family resentment? Guerrero had previously cited his father’s negative experience with the organization as the source of his animosity. Now, with free agency looming and a potential $500 million contract up for grabs, his stance has softened considerably. Coincidence? Doubtful.

The Business of Baseball: Smart Move or Total Sellout?

Guerrero’s sudden change of heart raises some obvious questions. Is this a genuine shift in perspective, or is he just using the Yankees’ deep pockets to maximize his value in free agency?

Look, nobody is blaming him for playing the game. The Yankees are baseball’s financial juggernaut, notorious for outbidding rivals when they really want someone. Even if Guerrero has zero intention of ever playing in the Bronx, simply keeping them in the conversation forces teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and Red Sox to cough up more cash.

It’s classic negotiation tactics: introduce a villain, let them bid, and watch your price tag soar. If nothing else, Guerrero is showing he understands how to work the system.

Would the Yankees Actually Want Him?

Despite the past bad blood, the Yankees might be intrigued. Guerrero is set to be the marquee free agent next offseason, and while New York currently has Paul Goldschmidt at first base, he’s more of a short-term rental than a long-term solution.

Statistically, Guerrero remains a force. A career .288/.363/.500 hitter with a 137 OPS+, he’s got power, patience, and an impressive ability to hit for average. The Miguel Cabrera comparisons weren’t for nothing. At 25, he’s entering his prime, making him an ideal candidate for the type of megadeal the Yankees love to hand out.

But there are concerns. Guerrero’s defense at first base has never been elite. His offensive production, while solid, hasn’t consistently matched his breakout 2021 campaign. Will the Yankees really break the bank for a player whose peak might already be behind him?

If Guerrero is expecting a $450-$500 million deal, New York will have to weigh whether he’s worth that kind of investment—especially after already spending big on Juan Soto.

The Ultimate Betrayal? How Yankees & Blue Jays Fans Would React

The potential fallout of a Guerrero-to-Yankees signing is what makes this story so juicy.

For Yankees fans, this would be a bizarre heel turn. They’ve spent years booing Guerrero and celebrating his anti-Yankees rhetoric. Now they’d have to embrace him? The first time he strikes out in a key moment, those old quotes will come roaring back to haunt him.

For Blue Jays fans, it would be devastating. Guerrero has been the face of the franchise since he arrived in 2019. Watching him leave for the most hated rival would sting in a way few departures ever have. He’d instantly become Toronto’s biggest villain since Roger Clemens—or worse.

And let’s not forget the entire league. Every small-market fan who’s sick of the Yankees throwing money at stars would roll their eyes. Guerrero would go from lovable slugger to another mercenary chasing pinstripes and paychecks.

If Guerrero Joins the Yankees… Then What?

Let’s say it happens. Let’s say Guerrero signs with New York for a contract north of $450 million.

The Yankees lineup, already stacked with Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Gerrit Cole anchoring the rotation, becomes even more terrifying. Guerrero gets the short porch in right field to boost his power numbers. The Yankees finally get their long-term solution at first base.

But the pressure? Immense.

New York doesn’t do grace periods. If Guerrero doesn’t immediately deliver, he’ll face brutal scrutiny. If his numbers dip, he’ll hear about how he should’ve stayed in Toronto. The media will have a field day dissecting every single swing. And you know someone will print those 2022 anti-Yankees quotes on a t-shirt the moment he slumps.

Legacy on the Line

No matter what happens, Guerrero has ensured that this offseason will be filled with speculation and controversy. If he stays in Toronto, he’s a hero. If he signs with the Yankees, he’s a villain. If he goes somewhere else, he’ll still be known as the guy who flirted with the dark side.

Some players embrace the drama. Some shy away from it. This will be a true test of who Guerrero really is.

For now, one thing is certain: whether you love him, hate him, or are just here for the chaos, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made himself the most fascinating free agent storyline of 2025.