Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s kind words about Aaron Judge are harmless at worst

USA Today

3 days ago

After a 29-13 stretch entering the All-Star break, the once-floundering Toronto Blue Jays overtook the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. While he doesn't have a realistic chance at winning AL MVP right now, five-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has unquestionably played like Toronto's MVP during this time.
That likely won't stop Yankees fans from reading way too much into Guerrero Jr.'s choice (but ultimately harmless) comments about New York star Aaron Judge near the end of All-Star week.
While speaking to MLB media through a translator on Tuesday, Guerrero said that his favorite part of this year's All-Star festivities was getting the chance to "talk more" with Judge. While I know that anyone associated with the Yankees probably widened their eyes just hearing this, these are definitely not the comments they seem.
Don't jump the gun, folks:
For one, Guerrero, noting that he enjoyed interacting with Judge the most, takes on an entirely different tenor if he doesn't have a long-term contract lined up. But he does. The Blue Jays gave him a contract extension worth half a billion over 14 years in early April. As it stands, he's historically wealthy and won't be an unrestricted free agent until 2040 (which doesn't feel like a real year, but I digress).
For the other, the Blue Jays are good! They're tied for first in MLB in batting average (.258) and have the fifth-most team hits in baseball (838). Their starting pitching does leave a lot to be desired (they're just 22nd in team ERA), but that's always something they can address at the trade deadline. It's not that hard to imagine this Toronto team contending for a World Series.
And if Guerrero is handsomely paid as the best player on a good team, why would he really entertain leaving? Because he complimented another star in the league who happens to play on a division rival? Make it make sense.
Of course, if Guerrero were a pending free agent, the idea of him jumping ship to the Bronx Bombers wouldn't feel all that implausible. That's not to say the Yankees would never swing a blockbuster trade. But there's a HUGE difference between thinking that Toronto would willingly trade a generational star to a team it plays 19 times a year (it most certainly wouldn't) versus luring Guerrero in on the open market.
Plus, again, the Blue Jays are good. Guerrero has no reason to look for greener pastures. Never mind that, for now, the Yankees don't even present a greater opportunity. My advice to Yankees fans is to hold your horses. You're the Yankees. You can probably always get another star from somewhere else because you usually do.
Until further notice, Guerrero doesn't feel like a realistic option. He was just being nice about Judge here. That's all.