It's finally happening. Toronto Blue Jays rookie third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a major league player as of Friday, when he makes his debut against the Oakland A's. It should have happened in 2018, when Guerrero, the talented, eponymous son of the Hall of Fame outfielder, hit a ridiculous .381 and slugged .636 for four minor league affiliates, despite being a mere 19 years of age, announcing his presence as an impact player for years to come. Financial implications, of course, likely got in the way and then this March an oblique injury made things official: Guerrero would not make Toronto's big league squad to start the season.
Well, as expected, Guerrero healed and then he hit at Triple-A Buffalo. Boy, did he hit. He looks great, and fantasy managers all over cannot wait for major numbers to count for their teams. After all, Guerrero was at first a top-50 overall pick in ESPN average live drafts, even with a pending, controversial demotion likely, before the unfortunate injury both complicated and cleared up matters. Nothing is in the way now, no contract status, injury or other Blue Jays options block him. Guerrero is rostered in more than 95 percent of ESPN standard leagues, as he should be. This is an impact player. ... But what are reasonable expectations and whom would you trade for Guerrero right now?