The AL East is heating up, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t stepping aside. The Yankees are making moves, and the Red Sox are building up their roster with icons like Alex Bregman. The competition is intensified. But Vladdy? He’s got his firm stance on where the Toronto Blue Jays stand.
In a recent interview, he was questioned about how Toronto is measuring up this season. He was asked, “We see what the Yankees did; we are seeing what the Boston Red Sox did. Where do you place the Toronto Blue Jays for this season?”
Vladdy didn’t hesitate in his stance. He replied, “Well, so far the same, that is, we are good, much better than last year.” According to Guerrero Jr., one thing that sets the Toronto Blue Jays apart from other teams is the “chemistry.”.
Guerrero Jr. stated, “I think that one very important thing that we have this year is the chemistry, and I think that everything starts there because of the CL; we have good CL.” Blue Jays are banking on something that can’t be bought—team synergy.
He added, “We have people who won the World Series, people who want to win and veteran people like we did.” Guerrero believes that a perfect blend of championship-winning veterans and hungry young teammates is something that will drive them towards thriving.
He emphasized that hunger to win by stating, “I think that when you have veteran people who want to win and young people who want to win, things work out for a good reason.” Everyone in the Blue Jays seems to be on the same page, chasing the same goal.
Let’s face it: the Red Sox have gotten stronger in terms of offense, defense, and pitching. The Toronto Blue Jays, on the other hand, still have some gaps. But if you were to ask Guerrero Jr., none of that changes the fact that Toronto is in for the fight.
Blue Jays’ contract negotiations with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Offer remains under $600 million
The hottest topic in Toronto presently is all around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future with the Blue Jays. With his contract, which is set to expire post-2025 season, and though he is open to a new long-term deal, it won’t be anything close to Juan Soto’s $765 million showstopper with the New York Mets.
In an interview, he revealed his contract talks with the Blue Jays, stating, “It’s much less than Soto. We’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less.” That puts Guerrero Jr.’s counteroffer at least $100 million less than Soto’s deal, which means that it didn’t even hit $600 million.
He added, “It was the same number of years [as Soto’s contract], but it didn’t reach [$600 million].”. One thing Guerrero Jr. is certain about is his worth, and he’s not willing to negotiate on that. That being said, he’s looking for a long-term home. “I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years.” He’s open to different options. He added, “I’m looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, or even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way.”
25-year-old Guerrero Jr. has already created an elite resume. A four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and 2022 Gold Glover. His 2024 season was a monster year—30 home runs, 103 RBIs, a career-high 199 hits, and a 6.2 WAR with a .323/.396/.544 slash line.
Oh, and durability? He has only missed 12 regular-season games since 2020.
If he locks the deal he’s expecting, he could create history by easily becoming the highest-paid first baseman. Although, for now, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won’t let negotiations distract him. He mentioned, “Just because we couldn’t reach an agreement, I’m not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working.”
After coming in last in the AL East, Toronto is taking action to turn things up this time! They have signed with Anthony Santander, added Max Scherzer, and traded for Andrés Giménez. The question lingers: will the Blue Jays lock in their franchise star, or is Guerrero Jr. set to hit free agency? Don’t worry, we won’t have to wait too long to know.
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