The Blue Jays’ first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is on the news again! Albeit for the current contract situation, as the Blue Jays and Guerrero J. are yet to reach an agreement for a long-term extension. According to an insider report, Guerrero Jr. was looking for a fourteen-year deal that has a current day value of $500 million, which has left a $50 million gap between the two sides.
However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a good 2024 season, where he had a .323 batting average, 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .940 OPS. Despite the Blue Jays missing out on the postseason, Vladdy earned the All-Star selection. Earlier in March, Guerrero Jr. said, “It’s much less than Soto,” indicating that he wants a deal that needs to be as long as Soto or even more. Think that makes sense?
Well, Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets for a hefty 15-year, $765 million deal, which is massive. So, now Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wants a similar deal; however, the Toronto Blue Jays have lowballed him, despite his present-day value to be $35 million. Yet they offered him a contract that had an average value of $50 million the offseason.
Now, on March 12, amid the discussions surrounding Vladdy’s approach to compare with Juan Soto’s deal, MLB expert Jon Heyman said, “They’ve told Ken Rosenthal they will stay for 500, I mean, I guess, 500 would be great deal but why put a limit on it, I think he’s making a mistake, yeah, and then the question becomes, if the Blue Jays were willing to do something in the $450 million range for 14 years again. It’s not my money John, I would say that’s probably a little too much for a guy who plays first base. ”
Heyman praised Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for being a great hitter but mentioned that he would like to stay with the Blue Jays for something under $600 million. Popular sports analyst and writer American sportswriter Ken Rosenthal also said that the offer was around $500 million, although deferred, so it was worth between $400 and $450 million. So, Heyman has raised his concern on how things must be kept confidential until the final moment, just like it happened with Juan Soto. And that’s really the way to do it.
But there’s a bigger question looming, and that is about whether the Blue Jays can make it to the playoffs or not.
Will the Blue Jays make it to the playoffs this season?
The Toronto Blue Jays have had a bad time as they struggled to lift the World Series title in the majors; however, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cannot be blamed for that. The reason? With Vladdy, the club managed to reach the playoffs three times since he joined the Blue Jays in 2019. However, given the signings the Blue Jays made, including Anthony Santander, it would take off some pressure from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But that’s not all!
They also made the addition of players like Daulton Varsho and Bo Bichette, which could also be a major positive. Other than that, the Blue Jays also signed the Cy Young Winner, Max Scherzer, who would like to show his full potential, getting the hitters out. However, in case they do not extend Vladdy’s contract, the fan base will not be happy given that he is not only a homegrown player but also has been one of the best hitters for them.
Do you think Vladdy will acquire the deal that he expects from the Blue Jays? Let us know in the comment section below.
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