Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Open to Blue Jays Contract Talks, Optimistic About Future
Alright, Blue Jays fans, there’s some big news surrounding one of the team’s biggest stars. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made it clear—he’s open to contract discussions with the Toronto Blue Jays, and he’s feeling optimistic about the possibility of a deal. This comes after weeks of speculation, tension, and a previously set deadline that seemed to put negotiations on pause. But now, the tone has changed.
After the Blue Jays secured a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, Guerrero spoke to reporters and shared that he still feels good about the situation. “I’m good with that. Just going to keep working very hard and be optimistic, too. Not going to shut the door on them,” he said. That’s a pretty big shift from where things stood just over a month ago when he set a deadline for negotiations to end before the start of spring training. At the time, Guerrero explained that it was strictly business—both sides were doing what they needed to do, and there were no hard feelings. But as time went on, it became clear that putting contract talks on hold wouldn’t be as simple as expected.
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So, where do things stand now? Well, reports suggest that the Blue Jays offered Guerrero a massive $500 million contract before his deadline, but the deal included significant deferrals, effectively reducing its value to somewhere between $400 and $450 million. That’s a big gap, especially when compared to Juan Soto’s record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. Guerrero himself confirmed that he’s looking for a 14-year contract, potentially even longer, but only if the terms are right. He admitted to lowering his demands slightly but emphasized that he still wants fair compensation, recognizing his value as one of the game’s elite sluggers.
On the Blue Jays’ side, there’s no lack of motivation to get this done. Team president Mark Shapiro has expressed confidence that they will extend Guerrero, citing a shared goal between the two parties. “I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him,” Shapiro stated. He highlighted the rare opportunity to have a homegrown star spend his entire career with one team, comparing Guerrero’s potential legacy to the likes of Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Kirby Puckett. For Shapiro, these are the kinds of players who define an era, and there’s no doubt that Guerrero has the talent and personality to be that guy for Toronto.
Of course, winning plays a major role in all of this. Shapiro was clear that, while Guerrero is a fan favorite, success on the field is what truly draws fans in. “Fans don’t come to see great players on a losing team,” he explained. The Blue Jays need to win, and Guerrero is a crucial part of that formula. His numbers back it up—coming off a season where he hit .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, he’s proven time and time again that he’s an elite talent.
So, what’s next? Guerrero is keeping his focus on the game, letting his agents handle the contract discussions. With the Blue Jays set to open their regular season on March 27 against the Orioles, all eyes will be on their star first baseman. A strong season from Guerrero could not only help the Blue Jays in their playoff push but also solidify the largest contract in franchise history. For now, the door remains open, and both sides appear eager to find common ground. Stay tuned—this is a story that’s far from over.
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