Here's another perspective.I think that Vlady is at his highest value the Blue Jays will ever see. Which is why I would trade him now.
* He has made it clear that he wants to try free agency. Jays return = 2025 season. One season and he is gone (That one season could be a good one though...)
* The distraction around him and the team will be a pain in the ass for all the players, especially if they know he wants to leave.
* In reality do the Jays have much of a chance this year, even to make the play-offs?
* So many big time contracts come with such a short term return. Is it worth it to be saddled with years of salary costs when a player is well past their prime?
* May be worth getting some young proven, or very promising talent/prospects in exchange for Vlady.
As much as Vlady is a nice, fun and productive ball player now - I really do not see him being an effective top/elite player after 2 - 3 years.
I hope I am wrong as I do like him as an athlete.
Just looking at the situation from a business perspective.
The Jays have publicly stated that they feel that this year's team is good enough to get to the playoffs and possibly beyond. If they trade him now, they are admitting that they are not serious about contending this year. They would be giving up. They will get nobody in return that will help them this year as much as Vladdy can. They will get prospects and draft pics which will help them down the road, but not in 2025.
They would be telling the fans that they're giving up on 2025 so why should the fans have any interest in showing up or watching. If they are not in the heat of the race come draft deadline, they can trade him then for some future and if they are in the hunt they will be forced to keep him all season and lose him for nothing. That is why I believe that it is impossible to trade him now, even though the reality is that they would get their highest return.