Extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term deal has been a top priority for the Toronto Blue Jays, but they may be running out of time. Back in December, Guerrero revealed that Toronto offered him a $340 million extension that was “not even close to what we are looking for.” The four-time All-Star has set a deadline of February 17th, the day before Toronto holds its first full-squad workout, for a deal to be reached.
Blue Jays in Negotiations to Extend All-Star with a $450M Agreement
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has spent his entire career in Toronto and has become the face of the Blue Jays franchise. The Canadian-born, Dominican-raised superstar is coming off a career year for the Jays, batting .323/.396/.544 over 159 games. Guerrero hit 30 homers and recorded 103 RBIs, with a career-low 13.8% strikeout rate to win his second Silver Slugger. The 25-year-old first baseman made his fourth consecutive All-Star Game and finished sixth in the American League MVP voting.
Rumors have been swirling that Guerrero and the Jays were working toward a deal, but nothing has officially happened yet. Guerrero has said that he wants to remain in Toronto long-term, but the two sides are reportedly $100 million apart. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier this month that Guerrero is seeking a deal worth at least $450 million. Jim Bowden of The Athletic laid out a potential contract extension for both sides worth $477 million over 12 years. Either deal would set a new record for an infielder, surpassing the 11-year, $350 million contract that Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres.
Can The Blue Jays Get A Deal Done?
Guerrero, who owns a career .288/.363/.500 batting line, will become a free agent after the 2025 season. Going into his age-26 season, the Gold Glove first baseman will have already made $76 million during his arbitration years. Going into his age-26 season, the Gold Glove first baseman will have already made $76 million during his arbitration years. Considering that Toronto offered Juan Soto a 15-year, $600 million contract, signing Guerrero, who has nearly identical stats, to a deal worth $40 million annually is not far-fetched.
First basemen generally are paid less than outfielders, but with Toronto out of the Pete Alonso mix, they likely want to see what his contract is worth first. Alonso is four years older and hits more for power than he does hitting for both power and average.
Toronto has gone all-in this winter after their disappointing 2024 season to prove to Guerrero they want to compete. But if they build a contender around Guerrero, they must act fast because Spring Training is coming up. He would likely become the third highest-paid player in baseball history, behind Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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