A major upcoming free agent that will affect the Miami Marlins

There are some positive developments for the Miami Marlins, when it comes to some divisional rivals. There's also some worrying rumors about the upcoming season. We now have interesting rumors about a major free agent after the 2025 season. I'm of course talking about Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He just might be pursued by major divisional rivals.

The Miami Marlins might see another major slugger in the division next year.

Breaking news: the Miami Marlins will not sign first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next off-season. It's also safe to say that neither will the Atlanta Braves. They don't need him and they don't spend that much in free agency or at all. The Washington Nationals are a toss-up, and he may want to go to a team with a higher chance of contention going forward.

The Philadelphia Phillies could be in play for Vlad, but even more likely are the New York Mets. Steve Cohen is willing to spend big money to improve his team, and signing the top free agent on the market again may just be in his "playbook". Pete Alonso is back on the team at first base, but there's always the DH spot. Alonso can always be moved there, so Vlad can take over first base. Alonso is also on a three-year deal, when Vlad is likely to command seven or more.

Whichever team signs Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will have a good middle of the order bat to build around. Vlad batted .323/.396/.544, with 30 home runs and 103 RBI in 159 games and 616 AB, for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. He was worth an elite 6.2 WAR for that performance.

I'm actually pretty worried about his bat in the NL East. The Mets would be very dangerous if they added him to their lineup. I can also see Philly making a strong move to bring him in. Vlad rejected an extension with Toronto and I expect him to also be a trade candidate for them at the 2025 Trade Deadline. If they were smart they would trade him now, as they're not a good team.