First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been vocal about wanting to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays. Nevertheless, there’s a restrict to his endurance.
Insider Hector Gomez relayed that Guerrero desires a long-term take care of the Blue Jays. That contract must be agreed upon earlier than spring coaching as he doesn’t plan to barter into the season.
The Blue Jays and Guerrero initially discussed a long-term extension in 2021 when he was supplied a seven-year, $150M contract. Talks then stalled till this offseason when Guerrero turned down a $340M deal.
Guerrero indicated that the Blue Jays weren’t near what he would take into account. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic initiatives Guerrero to earn between $500M-$600M in his subsequent contract. Spotrac, in the meantime, lists Guerrero as having a market value of a 12-year contract price roughly $427M. The Blue Jays would wish to enhance their provide considerably in the event that they need to hold their All-Star first baseman.
These projections may show to be conservative ought to Guerrero replicate his 2024 exhibiting. He produced a powerful .323/.396/.544 batting line in his 697 plate appearances, hitting 30 homers and 44 doubles. Guerrero additionally noticed time at third, probably including one other avenue for any staff seeking to improve the lineup.
Guerrero’s ultimatum may result in the Blue Jays’ worst nightmare. The Yankees signed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal and will have a significant amount of cash coming off of the books. Though Guerrero as soon as mentioned that he would by no means play for the Yankees, he has softened that stance. A adequate provide may result in Guerrero tormenting his former staff into the foreseeable future.
The Blue Jays are working out of time to maintain Guerrero Jr. Failing to signal him to a long-term extension may hang-out Toronto for years to come back.
