Last month, the Toronto Blue Jays faced a significant setback. They failed to secure a long-term contract extension with their star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Despite Guerrero setting a self-imposed deadline of February 18, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement. As a result, Guerrero is now set to become a free agent after the season, opening the door for competition from 29 other MLB teams.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Contract Negotiations
Guerrero confirmed that the Blue Jays had offered a $340 million extension early in the offseason. However, the landscape changed dramatically when Juan Soto signed a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Guerrero’s counteroffer was significantly less than Soto’s deal, yet it still did not reach the $600 million mark. Guerrero aimed for a 15-year deal, similar to Soto’s, but with fewer millions attached.
Guerrero’s Perspective
In an interview with ESPN’s Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero explained that his final offer to the Blue Jays was for a 15-year contract worth less than $600 million. He emphasized that he understood the business side of baseball and had even lowered both his salary demands and the number of years he was seeking.
Guerrero stated that he was looking for a contract spanning 14 to 15 years, or even up to 20 years if it was done correctly.
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The Market for Star Players
Guerrero’s aspirations are not unreasonable when considering the current market for star players in their mid-20s. Contracts for players of this caliber often extend through their age 40 seasons, as seen with Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Soto, and Manny Machado.
A 15-year deal taking Guerrero through age 41 would align with this trend. Prior to the extension deadline, Guerrero was listed among the top 10 extension candidates entering spring training.
An offer of $585 million for a 13-year deal starting in 2026 was considered reasonable, equating to $45 million per year.
Comparative Salaries
Currently, only a few position players in baseball earn $40 million or more per year. These include:
- Juan Soto – $51 million
- Shohei Ohtani – $46.1 million after deferrals
- Aaron Judge – $40 million
- Alex Bregman – $40 million before deferrals
Given this context, Guerrero’s request for a 15-year deal worth close to $600 million is not outlandish. The cost of signing top players this young is substantial, and Guerrero’s camp was not being unreasonable in seeking a contract that locked him up through age 40 and approached $40 million per year.
Guerrero’s Performance and Impact
Last season, Guerrero delivered an impressive performance with a .323/.396/.544 batting line, 44 doubles, and 30 home runs. His efforts earned him a sixth-place finish in the AL MVP voting, despite playing for a last-place team that went 74-88 and missed the postseason by 12 games.
Since his MLB debut in 2021, Guerrero has maintained a 137 OPS+, the seventh highest among players with at least 3,000 plate appearances.
Future Prospects for the Blue Jays
Guerrero is not the only core player the Blue Jays risk losing to free agency after this season. Chris Bassitt, Bo Bichette, and Chad Green are also set to hit the open market.
Toronto has shown a willingness to spend money, having pursued several big-name free agents in recent years, including Ohtani and Soto. However, they have struggled to get players to accept their offers.
As Guerrero prepares to test free agency, the Blue Jays will need to compete with other teams to retain their franchise player. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the team’s future and their ability to remain competitive in the league.
Conclusion
The failed contract negotiations between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays highlight the complexities of securing long-term deals for star players in today’s MLB landscape.
Guerrero’s request for a 15-year contract worth less than $600 million was not unreasonable given the current market trends. As he enters free agency, the Blue Jays will face stiff competition from other teams looking to acquire his talents. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the future of the franchise.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full article on CBS Sports.
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