For Blue Jays fans, the wait continues, but the plot has thickened. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays are back at the bargaining table. This time, a fresh contract offer is reportedly on the table.
No official details have been released, but it’s clear that there’s still a pretty noticeable gap between Guerrero’s camp and the Jays’ front office.
A Will-They-Won’t-They Saga
Let’s face it — this back-and-forth has been dragging on for a while now. Talks of a long-term extension have followed Guerrero for years, and the stakes only got higher once he set that February 18 Spring Training deadline. But despite the passing of that date, Guerrero cracked the door back open. Now, with Opening Day officially here, the Jays made another push.
It’s not uncommon for players to put the brakes on negotiations once the regular season begins — the last thing anyone wants is contract drama hanging over a 162-game grind. But for a franchise cornerstone like Guerrero, the Blue Jays clearly aren’t giving up that easily. And honestly, can you blame them?
Big Money Talks in the MLB
Now, let’s talk numbers—because this isn’t just any contract we’re discussing. Guerrero’s reported ask is a 14-year, $500 million deal. That’s right, half a billion dollars.
The Jays reportedly tried to meet that demand in February, but with deferrals that knocked the actual value down to the $400-$450 million range. Guerrero’s stance? He’s fine with deferrals but wants that Net Present Value (NPV) to hit the $500 million mark.
And sure, a $50-100 million gap sounds massive to the rest of us. But in baseball economics? That’s the equivalent of a decent middle reliever or a veteran backup. For a once-in-a-generation hitter like Guerrero, that’s not exactly an insurmountable difference.
To put it in perspective, Juan Soto recently signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. Shohei Ohtani inked a historic $700 million contract with the Dodgers — although that came with hefty deferrals. Soto’s deal alone sent shockwaves through the market, making Guerrero’s aspirations suddenly feel a lot more reasonable.
What’s Next for Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays?
The Jays’ front office, led by Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins, has been clear about its optimism. Shapiro even expressed confidence that a deal could still be done, whether now or in free agency.
That’s a bold stance considering the team’s recent playoff stumbles and the growing frustration from the fanbase. After all, the Jays swung and missed on pursuing stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Roki Sasaki. Losing Guerrero, even over a “small” financial gap, would be a tough situation.
Locking Guerrero in with a mega-deal wouldn’t just be a savvy baseball move. It would be a massive PR win. Kicking off the season with a headline-grabbing extension? That kind of move brings energy to a clubhouse, a fanbase, and the entire city of Toronto.
But for now, the waiting game continues. Guerrero Jr. remains one of the top players set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, and unless that gap closes soon, Jays fans might be in for another rollercoaster year of “will they or won’t they?”
One thing’s for sure — every swing Guerrero Jr. takes this season is going to carry a little extra weight. Buckle up, Blue Jays fans. The Vlad Jr. saga is far from over.
