MLB Rumors: Latest on Toronto Blue Jays’ talks on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension

MLB Rumors: Latest on Toronto Blue Jays’ talks on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension

The Toronto Blue Jays decided not to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the 2024 MLB trade deadline when the All-Star third baseman’s value was at his highest. Then, heading into a contract year, doubts were raised about his future in Toronto after the two sides failed to agree to terms on a contract extension.

When the Fb. 18 deadline for extension talks set by Guerrero Jr. passed, he said that the two sides were never close on an agreement. He planned to shut negotiations down, focusing on the 2025 MLB season. However, the Blue Jays recently made a new contract offer to four-time All-Star and his future with the franchise seems to be changing.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr stats 2024 (ESPN): .323/.396/.544, .940 OPS, 30 home runs, 103 BI, 44 doubles, 98 runs scored, 2 steals 96-72 K-BB in 616 at-bats

According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, the Blue Jays ‘continue to inch closer’ to a contract extension with Guerrero Jr. While talks are ongoing, it would likely be in the range of a 14- or 15-year deal worth just north of $500 million total.

As Nightengale notes, Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro is under significant pressure to get a deal done. Toronto missed the playoffs last season and it hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. With Shapiro in the last year of his deal, failing to extend Guerrero Jr. could result in him losing his job in the Blue Jays’ front office.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr contract (Spotrac): $28.5 million salary in 2025, MLB free agent in 2026

While Shapiro would just lose his job, the ramifications would be far more devastating for Toronto. Guerrero Jr. would hit the open market, allowing clubs like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to make lucrative contract offers. If he hits MLB free agency, the Blue Jays’ chances of keeping him plummet.

The spring training deadline that Guerrero Jr. set for an extension has long passed, but the door to a long-term deal seems open. With Toronto becoming more aggressive in its efforts to get a long-term deal done, the odds of Guerrero Jr. staying in Toronto long-term are increasing significantly.