As the offseason winds down, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing a tough reality: their superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., might not be with the team for much longer. Despite the Blue Jays’ efforts to secure an extension, Guerrero has declined their offer, fully aware that he stands to earn a much more lucrative deal on the open market.
His decision to turn down the extension before Juan Soto signed his historic contract now looks like a brilliant move. Soto’s record-breaking deal set a new standard for young players, and Guerrero, at just 25 years old, is poised to be one of the most coveted free agents in baseball after next season. With his combination of age and extraordinary talent, Guerrero is set to draw offers from teams eager to land a generational player. The future looks bright for the young slugger, but it may be far from Toronto.
Blue Jays to likely head for trade offers
According to ESPN, if the Toronto Blue Jays come to the realization that re-signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is unlikely, they may have no choice but to entertain trade offers. By the July trade deadline, Guerrero would be the most sought-after player on the market, with multiple teams vying for his services.
Which MLB team is rumored to be interested in signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if he becomes a free agent?
Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
If the Blue Jays do manage to strike a deal with Guerrero, they could be looking at a contract in the range of $500 million over 15 years, which would work out to an average of $33.33 million per season. That figure could represent a reasonable investment, considering the immense impact Guerrero could have on the team’s future.
However, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins has built a reputation for being conservative in contract negotiations, often offering lower-than-expected figures. Given this track record, insiders predict that Toronto’s actual offer could be closer to $400 million, which would likely fall short of Guerrero’s expectations. If that happens, it’s increasingly likely that Guerrero will opt to test free agency next offseason, where he could command an even larger payday. The situation continues to loom over the Blue Jays as they try to keep their superstar in the fold.
