The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. failed to agree to a contract extension by the beginning of spring coaching. That missed deadline might not matter.
Insider Hector Gomes reported that the Blue Jays plan to make one other provide to Guerrero. Per Gomez, the provide can be between 14 to fifteen years and between $550 million and $600 million, which might be closer to his asking price.
Guerrero provided some details relating to negotiations with the Blue Jays earlier within the month. He said that not solely was the Blue Jays provide considerably lower than the 15-year, $765 million contract outfielder Juan Soto obtained from the Mets, however that the provide didn’t strategy $600 million. Guerrero, for his half, mentioned that his counteroffer was additionally under the $600 million threshold.
Guerrero has emerged as one of many extra harmful hitters in baseball. He posted a stellar .323/.396/.544 batting line in 697 plate appearances in 2024, hitting 30 homers and 44 doubles. A four-time All-Star and the 2021 AL MVP runner-up, Guerrero has labored to develop into a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman.
Locking Guerrero right into a long-term extension would have repercussions past the lineup. The Blue Jays have constantly tried to signal marquee free brokers solely to be rejected within the remaining phases. Whereas the Blue Jays were able to sign outfielder Anthony Santander, retaining a famous person in Guerrero may make it simpler to draw gamers north of the border.
The 26-year-old Guerrero would have a powerful resume if he have been to achieve free company. The Mets particularly have been linked to Guerrero, who would add one other participant simply getting into their prime to pair with Soto. Though the Blue Jays are reportedly keen to return near what Guerrero had been asking for now, it might already be too late.
