Negotiations between the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have ultimately come to an abrupt end. The slugger told reporters Tuesday morning from spring training camp that they did not reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension before Guerrero’s self-imposed deadline on Monday. For those unaware, before the start of the team’s full squad practices on Tuesday, Guerrero had stated that he would not talk about a new deal. Hence, after this season, he is expected to become a free agent. So, what’s the deal?
Guerrero acknowledged the Blue Jays’ $340 million contract offer in December. Before Juan Soto’s deal altered the situation, the offer for Guerrero was made. Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets increased the salary bar for the big players in their mid-20s, which made Vlad rethink his contract and expect nearly $600 million. Well, he was also surprised to see the Blue Jays not contending for him anymore. “The amount I was looking for is not even $600 million,” said Guerrero, visibly frustrated over the Jays’ hardball approach.
“I’m here right now, and I’ll just try to help the team to win.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the deadline he set for contract talks before Spring Training:
Hear the full interview and more from #BlueJays camp on our #SpringTrainingTour tonight at 6pm ET
https://t.co/3lNMHjejQd pic.twitter.com/Zdk2nKsFnG
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 6, 2025
So, is he going to leave? “I’m here right now, and I’ll just try to help the team to win,” said Guerrero on his future with the Blue Jays. While he is open to any other teams contending for him, his short-term goal for this season is to make the Blue Jays sail through the postseason; he didn’t want them to interfere with the other team’s contention and communicate his willingness to jump ship. Now, the question is: Is Guerrero Jr. eligible enough to command a Soto-like sweepstakes?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contention post-2025
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just finished a fantastic 2024 season in which he hit 30 homers and 44 doubles, that too at .323/.396/.544. He finished sixth in the MVP voting and was selected to the All-Star team for the fourth time in a row. Additionally, it makes him the youngest and greatest free agent available in the upcoming offseason. Guerrero Jr. also demonstrated aggression at the plate, recording the highest fly ball rate (25.2%) of his career and swinging at the first pitch a career-high 43.2% of the time. Enough value addition for the contending teams.
The Mets are one of the top potential contenders for Guerrero Jr.; they got Mark Vientos to trade for him. Moreover, considering the deep-pocketed owner of the Mets, it should not be an issue for them to offer the expected amount to Guerrero Jr. On the other hand, Guerrero earlier made his intention clear to play for a team probable enough for the championship—the Mets, hence, fit the bill perfectly. The Red Sox are also among the teams urged to make a trade for Guerrero Jr, who encouraged them by saying he wanted to play for them.
The Blue Jays may not be desperate enough for Guerrero, considering how they went 74-88 in 2024, their worst record since 2019. This opens a diverse window for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. post-2025. What do you think about his potential next year? Share with us below.
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