The negotiation between the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is far from over. At one point, it was speculated that talks had collapsed and Guerrero was heading for free agency after 2025. However, the latest update from MLB insider Bob Nightengale offers a ray of hope for Blue Jays fans.
Here’s the twist—Guerrero is reportedly asking for $500 million, a number the Blue Jays have yet to match. While it now seems the tides may be turning in Toronto’s favor, one question remains: Is Guerrero truly worth half a billion dollars, and will the Blue Jays take the gamble?
“Vlad wants to play his whole career as a Toronto Blue Jay. We want him to end his career in a Blue Jays uniform and be a true legacy player for the Toronto Blue Jays. That’s a pretty good place to start,” the Blue Jays CEO, Mark Shapiro, said about Guerrero.
This shows how much the team wants to keep Vlad in Toronto.
Vladimir Guerrero and the Blue Jays are negotiating a long-term contract extension, at least for 13 years. Guerrero previously said he wanted to stay in Toronto because he loved the city and the club. A good indication for the team to give one last push. Guerrero finished 2024 with 30 homers and 103 RBIs, which will be too good to ignore for the Jays. For reference, Juan Soto, the most expensive player in MLB, scored 41 homers and 109 RBIs last year. Guerrero’s BA is .323 compared to Soto’s .288. Hence, when Soto got an AAV of $51 million, Guerrero is expected to ask for parity.
“The Toronto Blue Jays continue to inch closer to signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a contract extension, likely a 14- or 15-year deal worth about $500 million, which will be crucial for Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro’s popularity in Toronto,” Nightengale said. So, an approximate $35 million AAV is on the cards. This time, it should work with Guerrero, considering he was expecting $500 million from the Jays. Undoubtedly, Guerrero is the bona fide face of the Jays and is the last legacy player left with the team.
The Blue Jays have built a reputation for avoiding blockbuster deals, and this offseason was no different. Anthony Santander was their only major acquisition. But losing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? That’s a price they can’t afford to pay.
However, Guerrero isn’t just chasing a paycheck. He wants a real shot at postseason glory. And with the Jays struggling to deliver on that front, will they convince him to stay, or will October failures push him toward a new home?
A successful postseason might do a wonder with Guerrero
The last World Series came to Toronto in 1993! It was in 2016 that the Jays last won a playoff. Since then, nothing to boast of. As per MLB insider Rob Longley, “a winning team” is what Guerrero is looking forward to. Why not, when players of his caliber like Soto and Shohei Ohtani are appearing in consecutive postseasons? Once Guerrero hits free agency, a few big teams like the Yankees and Mets are expected to go after him. This team will enable Guerrero to get a taste of the postseason. Thus, if the Blue Jays match $500 million for Guerrero, a better postseason stint in 2025 can do wonders between the two parties. However, could the Jays make it?
The Blue Jays are at a turning point in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions in the 2025 MLB season. They got a few good names with Max Scherzer, Andrés Giménez, Jeff Hoffman, and Anthony Santander. With the anticipated growth of these players, the club has a sense of hope despite its 74-88 record last year. The Blue Jays currently have +235 odds to qualify for the playoffs, which translates to a 29.9% implied chance, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Thus, a good chance ahead this year, and adding up with Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, and Kevin Gausman, a successful postseason can be expected.
Hopefully, the Jays will match the amount of Guerrero, along with having a good run this year. Enough to make Guerrero stay with the team till his retirement.
Do you think Guerrero will end up with the Blue Jays? Share your views with us below.
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