Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has set the baseball world abuzz, not just with his bat but with the jaw-dropping numbers being thrown around for his next contract. With his stock soaring to unprecedented levels, his contract talks could shape future deals across MLB. But not everyone is convinced he’s worth the massive payday he’s reportedly eyeing.
The financial debate surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays’ extension plans has also intensified with the free agency trade on the brink. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right after dismissing the contract extension offer, has been heading for the free agency. The 25-year-old slugger, not being satisfied with the financial aspects, indicates an exit from the Blue Jays, which has left a gap in their lineup. So, what’s now for him?
Well, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a good 2024 regular season, where he batted at an average of .323,.396 OBP,.544 SLG, and.940 OPS. He has even hit 30 home runs along with 103 RBIs. Rejecting the Blue Jays deal indicates undervaluing the $500 million offer they made. It has sparked anger among the fan base and MLB analysts.
MLB analyst Ben Verlander, on his “Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander” podcast, said, “There’s two players in the ranch currently at the $700M rank-Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani’s greatest player of all time. 1 off 1, we might never see anything like him ever again. Juan Soto is probably a top two, three, pure header in baseball, and he is very young, and he is entering his prime. I don’t think Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto, and asking for that money is a bit wild to me. I do not see him around $700 M.”
Verlander even said that he wouldn’t have ever spent $700 million for a first baseman. As per Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s statement, if he has an MVP-caliber season, he wants $700 million, while in case of a bad year, he is watching the floor at $500 million. Although he remains in the top 5 in the first baseman category, asking for such a huge amount for the first baseman just doesn’t seem legit, does it? Ben Verlander even shared his opinion, citing that Guerrero Jr. needs to sign back with the Blue Jays, and the contract extension plan will be the best thing for him to consider rather than moving on to free agency.
While the clock is still ticking for the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s much-awaited free agency can be a deal breaker, as the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers may look to get him anyhow. But Mark Shapiro is hopeful of extending his contract.
Mark Shapiro is hopeful of extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract
Amid all the speculations surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr., CEO Mark Shapiro is hopeful of reaching an agreement and making the deal work. As stated by him, Guerrero Jr. wants to spend his entire career with the Blue Jays, and that’s the reason they also want the same. Yet, the real issue lies in the money. Guerrero Jr. reportedly wants a deal comparable to Juan Soto’s, but is he in that tier? While he had an impressive 2024 campaign, the Blue Jays have to decide whether he’s worth stretching their payroll to unprecedented levels.
Guerrero Jr. remains one of the best first basemen in baseball and will undoubtedly be a key offensive force in 2025. But if he wants a record-setting deal, he’ll need to replicate (or even surpass) his previous numbers. Meanwhile, with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers in the mix, his market won’t be lacking suitors.
For now, the question remains: Will Toronto break the bank to keep their star, or will Guerrero Jr. take his talents elsewhere? With free agency looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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