Blue Jays Push to Keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with New Offer
Alright, baseball fans, let’s talk about the latest drama surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays and their superstar first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The team has reportedly made another contract offer to Vladdy in the past 24 hours, but there’s still a gap between the two sides. With Opening Day just around the corner, everyone’s wondering: Will Guerrero stay in Toronto long-term, or are we witnessing the beginning of his departure?
For months now, the Blue Jays have been trying to lock down Guerrero with a long-term deal, but negotiations haven’t been easy. Earlier this year, Guerrero set a self-imposed deadline of February 18 to get a deal done, but that date came and went without an agreement. Now, the 26-year-old slugger is set to enter free agency after the 2025 season, meaning if the Blue Jays can’t strike a deal soon, they might have to compete with 29 other teams to retain him.
Team president Mark Shapiro has remained optimistic, recently stating, “I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him.” That confidence is great, but Guerrero and the Jays are reportedly still about $50 million apart on the numbers. When you spread that over a 14-year contract, it’s around a $3.5 million difference per year—a number that, in the grand scheme of things, seems fixable.
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So, what’s really going on here? Guerrero was initially seeking a deal worth at least $500 million in present-day value, and while the Blue Jays reportedly offered a contract around that range, deferrals would have brought the true value down to about $400-450 million. For reference, Juan Soto’s recent 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets has set a new standard for superstar contracts, and Guerrero’s camp is well aware of that.
Vladdy, who just came off an incredible season where he hit .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, is one of the league’s most talented hitters. He’s already a four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, and at just 26, he’s got plenty of prime years ahead of him. The Blue Jays know they have a generational talent on their hands, but the question is whether they’re willing to pay what it takes to keep him in Toronto for the long haul.
For Blue Jays fans, this is a nerve-wracking time. The front office has had its fair share of misses when it comes to signing big-name players, losing out on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Roki Sasaki. If they let Guerrero walk over what seems like a relatively small financial gap, it could seriously damage the team’s relationship with its fanbase. On the flip side, if they manage to secure him, it could be a huge morale boost just in time for the new season.
As of now, negotiations are ongoing, but there’s no guarantee that another offer will come soon. One thing is for sure: Guerrero has made it clear that he’s open to staying, but the Jays need to meet him at the right price. With Opening Day against the Orioles just hours away, all eyes are on the Blue Jays to see what they’ll do next.
Stay tuned, because this story is far from over!
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