Toronto Blue Jays fans are eagerly awaiting news on star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s potential long-term deal with the team. Their hopes received a significant boost when team president Mark Shapiro expressed confidence to reporters that a deal with Guerrero is still within reach, despite reports of the player rejecting a $500 million extension offer. Shapiro, who has been at the helm since 2015, remains optimistic about extending Guerrero’s contract, stating, “I think we’re going to extend him.” Guerrero himself shared similar sentiments, indicating willingness to continue discussions and not ruling out a return to the Blue Jays.
This positive development follows Guerrero’s rejection of the team’s reported $500 million offer ahead of spring training. Recent reports suggest that Guerrero may be seeking a deal closer to $600 million. While Shapiro did not directly address the gap in contract talks, he acknowledged the possibility that Guerrero might explore free agency to gauge his market value.
The stakes are high for the Blue Jays, as they currently hold exclusive rights to negotiate a long-term deal with Guerrero before he potentially enters free agency. Allowing Guerrero to reach free agency could expose the team to a bidding war with other franchises. Despite Shapiro’s confidence in the Blue Jays’ ability to secure Guerrero, the risks involved in delaying negotiations are significant, especially considering Guerrero’s impressive track record as a young standout in the league.
At just 26 years old, Guerrero is poised to command a lucrative contract in free agency, given his exceptional performance since joining the majors in 2019. With an impressive career batting line and multiple All-Star appearances, Guerrero ranks among the top young hitters in the game. While he may not command the same level of attention as players like Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto, Guerrero’s combination of skills and youth make him a highly sought-after player in the upcoming market.
To mitigate the risks associated with Guerrero potentially heading to free agency, it would be in the Blue Jays’ best interest to secure a long-term deal with him sooner rather than later. By acting swiftly, Toronto can avoid the uncertainty of competing with other teams for Guerrero’s services and ensure his continued presence as a cornerstone of their roster.
