The Blue Jays are feeling the heat as their slugger Vladimir Guerrero’s free agency date approaches. While he remains with the Jays for now, completing this season with them, Guerrero is set to hit free agency in November. That is, if the Jays fail to reach an agreement with him. But what might cause this failure? Let’s just say, Vlad Jr. has high expectations, and the Jays may not be able to reach. The expectation of something around $600 million. The Blue Jays don’t seem in the mood to let up, opting to take the hardball route. But do Guerrero’s numbers make him worthy of it?
Well, Guerrero was the youngest player to start in the AL All-Star roster in 2021. The Blue Jays have been with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for six seasons, in which, he scored 475 runs. He has a batting average of .288 and 905 hits, 160 home runs, and 507 RBIs. Vlad Jr. has received two Silver Slugger medals and one Gold Glove award. However, spectators claim that Vlad Jr.’s expectations stem from few of the other deals made this season. Juan Soto’s record-breaking $765 million deal and and Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal sky-rocketed the free agency, making few names revisit their own value.
However, Vladimir Guerrero denies these connections. “It’s much less than Soto. We’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less,” said Guerrero in an interview with ESPN. Soto’s value is $765 million, while Guerrero’s last counteroffer to the Jays is a few less than $600 million. Apparently, still difficult for the Blue Jays to contend for Vlad. Well, the Blue Jays’ 2024 season was disappointing, with a final record of 74-88. They last won the World Series in 1993. Thus, maybe their cautious approach is understandable.
Guerrero’s next destination
As things stand now, it seems there is little chance that Vladimir Guerrero will re-join hands with the Jays. Once he hits free agency, the Mets are one team that might have the resources to reach a deal with Vladdy, among few others. The Mets re-signed Pete Alonso and added Juan Soto. Although they don’t need a first baseman, it doesn’t seem like a terrible idea to add Guerrero and put him or Alonso in the designated hitter position. It appears that Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, is so keen to spend that the team can afford to shed some of its farm system to acquire elite batsmen.
The Giants can be one dark horse for Guerrero. They lately spent a lot of money on position-playing players like Willy Adames and Matt Chapman, and since LaMonte Wade Jr. will be entering free agency after this season, there isn’t a clear first baseman preventing them from acquiring Guerrero. Although the Giants’ park is extremely difficult for batters, the Giants may prove to be a serious playoff contender this year. It might be an attractive deal to make a wonder with Guerrero. Other names such as the Boston Red Sox and even the Yankees have said to have interest in Vlad Jr.’s upcoming free agency.
With the numbers Guerrero has, he is going to be the center of attraction in the next off-season. Let time answer. Which team do you think should be the logical destination for Guerrero? Comment your choices with us.
The post “Less Than Soto”: Vladimir Guerrero Refutes Reports Of Him Making a $600M Demand to Blue Jays appeared first on EssentiallySports.
