Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is currently enjoying a fruitful Spring Training as he approaches the seventh year of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career. The right-handed slugger is making his mark with impressive statistics, hitting .314 and driving seven runs over the preseason games, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming season.
Guerrero's performance has not gone unnoticed, as he finished sixth in the American League MVP voting last season, boasting an OPS+ of 166, the second-best mark of his illustrious career. Now 26, and with his birthday approaching on March 23, Guerrero is focused on securing his place among the highest-paid athletes through what may potentially be the third-largest contract in MLB history.
Reports indicate Guerrero is seeking around $500 million value, and the Toronto Blue Jays have already extended him offers but with conditions he found unsuitable. Initially, the club proposed $500 million, but the deal came with significant deferrals, diminishing its present value, leading Guerrero to reject it. On March 11, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal revealed Guerrero's demands for the current value of the deal.
Now, on March 17, Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital has reported some encouraging news from the Blue Jays’ side: they are reportedly planning to make another attempt to satisfy Guerrero’s demands by presenting him with a new contract valued between $550 to $600 million over 14 to 15 years. Should he accept it, this lucrative deal would place him among the top three highest-paid players in MLB history, following only Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, both of whom signed contracts exceeding $700 million.
While some fans may see the new offer as exorbitant, the reality is clear: if the Blue Jays want to prevent Guerrero from hitting free agency, they need to offer him competitive compensation. The insistence on meeting his asking price is evident from the changing dynamics of the negotiations as the Blue Jays seem intent on locking down their star player.
At this stage of the negotiations, Guerrero’s acceptance of the contract could potentially change the course of the Blue Jays’ season. If Guerrero were to decide against the new deal and proceed to free agency after the current season, the team would face the heavy burden of losing one of its most talented homegrown players for minimal compensation.
Highlighting Guerrero’s performance history, during the 2024 season, he achieved remarkable statistics with 30 home runs, maintaining a .323 batting average and driving in 103 runs, underscoring his value to the team. He has been recognized not only for his impressive stats but also for his leadership qualities during practices and team meetings. Manager John Schneider recently shared his confidence, stating, “Hopefully, this gets done. This is the business part of it. We’re both hoping for the same outcome.” His remarks echo the sentiments within the organization of wanting Guerrero to remain with the Blue Jays.
The launch of the MLB season is approaching, with the Blue Jays set to kick off on March 27 against the Baltimore Orioles. It remains mentally taxing for both fans and the front office of the Blue Jays as they navigate the final arrangements surrounding Guerrero’s contract situation. There’s no shortage of speculation on whether or not the new offer will be sufficient to change Guerrero’s mind about entering free agency.
The decision is imminent. With the Blue Jays’ history of engaging with their core players, fans remain hopeful about next season's developments. Will Guerrero accept the offer, and can the Blue Jays maintain their star talent before potentially reaching the point of no return?
