It seems like the Blue Jays need to bite their bullet with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Since they have avoided arbitration with Guerrero by getting him for this year, the Jays are playing hardball in offering an extended deal. Why hardball? Because Guerrero is reportedly expecting something near to $500 million for more than 12 years. A bit overpay, but they can. According to ESPN analyst Buster Olney, Guerrero is currently worth $35 million annually. The Jays are not willing to go beyond that. However, they made Juan Soto an offer on a contract worth $50 million a year on average.
While Soto is gone now, is Guerrero not eligible to get a higher AAV? Well, Guerrero got into the AL All-Star from the last 4 years. He is coming up with 30 homers and 103 RBIs from 2024. Quite comparable with 41 homers and 109 RBIs of Soto from last year. Reportedly, the Rangers are aiming to sign Guerrero since he confirmed he would be hitting free agency post-2025. Guerrero’s willingness to open talks with the suitors made things worse for the Jays. So, what’s left? A few insider feels that the Blue Jays need to overpay him.
“I think they’re going to have to overpay. I don’t see any other way out of it…That’s a huge Market team; they can’t get guys to go there,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said in his podcast, THE SHOW. Guerrero is now 26 and pulling up outstanding numbers for the last six seasons. With 160 home runs and 507 RBIs, as well as several honors like All-Star appearances, Silver Slugger trophies, and a Golden Glove, Guerrero embodies a rare combination of offensive skill and defensive dependability. However, Guerrero is reportedly also willing to join a team with better postseason chances.
The Jays’ contention for the World Series can make a case for Guerrero
The Blue Jays’ last World Series ring came in 1993, and since then, it’s been a blue sea. A reason for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to opt to hit free agency. He is willing to get to a team with a better postseason probability, and thus, he is sticking around the $480 million expectation. Thus, apart from staying reluctant to overpay, the Jays’ postseason contention can make a case here. Could 2025 be that year for them? They added a few big names like Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer, which can make a difference.
Anthony Santander, a powerful hitter, should relieve some of Guerrero’s pressure. Also, if Max Scherzer can maintain his health, he should still be able to get hitters out even though his career is coming to a close. Thus, the Blue Jays’ 2025 projections aren’t particularly high. However, Guerrero will be eligible for a hefty salary from the Jays or another team if they have a successful season, and he can put up some monster numbers. A postseason run can justify the overpay for the Jays.
Guerrero is set to hit free agency post-2025. While he confirmed that he is no longer on the radar of the Jays, fans can still hope that a good run this year can make both parties shake hands again.
What do you think about the Jays’ chance to offer more to Guerrero? Share your views with us below.
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