The Toronto Blue Jays are still feeling the impact of their inability to secure a long-term contract extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before the start of spring training. While both sides insist that negotiations will continue throughout the year, it increasingly seems like the star first baseman is headed for free agency next winter. This setback comes after an offseason in which multiple marquee players turned down Toronto’s offers, making the failure to lock up Guerrero—even at a steep price—particularly painful. He’s a generational talent with strong ties to Canada, someone the fan base has watched develop into both an elite hitter and one of the country’s most beloved athletes.
There’s no sugarcoating it for Blue Jays fans—Guerrero Jr. is likely entering his final season in Toronto, and unless something unexpected happens, the team is poised to miss the playoffs, which could result in GM Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro losing their jobs. However, despite the gloomy outlook, there is at least one silver lining. While no one can truly replace Guerrero Jr., the emergence of Orelvis Martinez this spring offers some hope for the future.
Once considered a top-100 prospect with impressive power, Martinez was on the rise until an 80-game PED suspension last summer halted his progress. At the time, he was dominating Triple-A pitching with 17 home runs in just 74 games, seemingly on the verge of making his MLB debut in 2024.
Still only 23 years old, Martinez showcased his power in Toronto’s spring training opener, reminding everyone why he was once viewed as a future impact player. His ability to hit has never been in doubt, but questions remain about his defense. Originally a third baseman, he lacks the tools to stick there long-term, and with first base seemingly locked down by Guerrero Jr., his path to a starting role in Toronto was uncertain.
Now, however, Martinez could play a vital role in the team’s plans. If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, he’ll likely reach the majors early in the season, given the team’s need for power and an open spot at DH. And if Guerrero Jr. departs in free agency, Martinez has the opportunity to prove that the Blue Jays don’t need to make a blockbuster move to fill the void at first base. Off to a strong start this spring, going 2-for-4 so far, he has a chance to establish himself as a key building block for the future.