And why wouldn't Vladdy be listed? After a resurgent 2024, which saw hime hit 30 HRs as well as a career-high .323 avg. And while it still didn't reach the heights of his near-historic 2021 season, many are saying that Vlad Jr. is back.
His OPS+ was also an absurd 166.
As Leitch puts it, due to the lack of a contract extension, Vlad Jr. will probably be talked about every day of the season.
As you have probably heard, he's going to be a free agent after this year because the Blue Jays never did work out an extension with him. That means we'll be talking about him essentially every day for eight months, once the season begins. And for good reason.
While one player does not make or break a season for a team, the impact that Vladdy has on the Blue Jays cannot be overstated. He is the face of the franchise, the first homegrown superstar since Carlos Delgado and Roy Halladay, and one of the best players in the game.
If he can put up similar numbers to what he had last season he will be due for one incredible payday. Even if he dips slightly, a $400MM deal is not out of the question.