All may not be lost for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays when it comes to finding common ground on a long-term partnership.
Earlier this week, reports indicated that Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays were nowhere near an agreement on an extension, and Vladdy seemed destined for free agency next year.
However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal doesn’t think the gap is as big as those recent reports may suggest.
In a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Rosenthal explained that there could be room for the two parties to re-engage in negotiations before the start of the season: “The Jays were at $450 [million] present value… Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s ask is $500 [million] present value. So the difference we’re talking about is $50 million dollars over 14 years. That’s not a lot of money.”
Guerrero Worth the Long-Term Investment
Guerrero has indicated in the past that if the Blue Jays come to him with a fair offer before Opening Day, he would listen. Rosenthal added: “The gap doesn’t seem to be that significant… It should get done, he’s a home-grown player, and he wants to stay.”
"That's not a lot of money. They can do that."@Ken_Rosenthal doesn't think negotiations between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays are necessarily over, despite their $50M gap in a 14-year deal. pic.twitter.com/P4uRt48l6V
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 12, 2025
Guerrero turns 26 this Sunday, on the eve of what will be his seventh MLB season. He’s been named an All-Star each of the past four years and is coming off a big bounce-back season (2.0 WAR in 2023, 6.2 WAR in 2024). Guerrero finished the year with 30 home runs and 103 RBI while slashing .323/.396/.544. The slugger recorded his third 30-HR season, his second-highest RBI total behind his 111 in 2021, and a career-best batting average.
Guerrero is also one of the most durable players in the league, missing just 12 games in the past five seasons combined. Last year, he played in 159 of 162 games, but Toronto missed the playoffs for just the second time in the past five seasons. Additionally, the Blue Jays’ 74 wins were their fewest since Vladdy’s rookie year (2019).
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Rosenthal indicated that the Blue Jays’ latest offer of $450M in present value included deferrals that would take the value of the contract to $500M+ in the future. However, Guerrero is seeking $500M in present value, and the two sides have just under two weeks left in order to seek a resolution.
Otherwise, Toronto runs the risk of losing its young superstar in free agency, where Guerrero is projected to enjoy a highly robust market, next offseason. The Blue Jays begin the 2025 season on March 27 at home against the Baltimore Orioles.