The extension offer that the Toronto Blue Jays presented to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was reportedly in the $500 million range. The slugger was adamant about getting a hefty contract extension and set a deadline of February 18th regarding its discussion. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays and Guerrero were unsuccessful in agreeing on a deal. He is set to test free agency after this season. The Blue Jays presented the 25-year-old with an extension of around $500 million, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. However, it included deferrals that would generate a net present value in the scale of $400 to $450 million. Now, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic has revealed that Guerrero is seeking a contract extension offer of a present value of $500 million. The Guerrero extension talks have been at the center of the Blue Jays’ orbit recently, generating a lot of discussion.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seeks contract worth $500 million in present value: Sources https://t.co/FuFrK4otoT
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) March 11, 2025
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Seeks $500 Million Contract
Vladdy will be an enticing free agent following this season. He has already disclosed that he is open to listening to offers from all MLB teams. Last season, the four-time All-Star put up improved numbers from his 2023 campaign. He sported a .323 batting average along with 30 home runs, 199 hits, and 103 RBI. In 2023, his batting average was 59 points lower (.264), with 26 home runs and a reduced OPS (.788) and slugging (.444). In 2024, his OPS was .940, with a slugging percentage of .544. Guerrero is also a two-time Silver Slugger (2021 and 2024), a Home Run Derby Champion (2023), and a Gold Glove winner in 2022. Last season, he had an average exit velocity of 93.8 mph.
Soto’s Upside Vs. Vladdy’s
But recently, Guerrero discussed how his rep’s latest demand to the Blue Jays was 15 years in the price range of less than $600 million. This equates to an AAV under $40 million per season. That deal has the same number of years that Juan Soto got, but the total value is less than Soto’s. Soto, though, has an edge over Guerrero in several categories, including WAR, home runs, OBP, and more. If Vladdy wants to earn the big bucks, he will have to put on quite the performance in the regular season this year. In camp this season, he has recorded one home run, nine hits, and four RBI.
The Blue Jays’ initial extension offer to Guerrero Jr. was $350 million before the MLB record signing of Soto with the New York Mets. This indicates that the Blue Jays were generous in upping their original offer. While Guerrero is an above-average player, the offer that the Blue Jays presented to him still appeared fair, especially since Guerrero provided the Blue Jays with two elite seasons (2021, 2024).
Consistency is Key
However, the current Guerrero Jr. extension offer would still double the amount of the next largest free agent first base deal. Overall, when it comes down to it, Guerrero has lacked one significant element, which is consistency. He has 21.5 total bWAR as well as a 12.9 bWAR across two of his six seasons. Ultimately, the Blue Jays just didn’t feel reassured to offer that large a contract to a player who hasn’t consistently performed at an elite level. With Soto, he’s demonstrated himself as a consistently potent hitter. Even at his worst, he’s put up an OPS of .853, which is only .010 less than Guerrero’s career OPS. Along with Guerrero’s defense at first base, which isn’t exactly high-caliber, he will have to go a long way toward justifying his demands this season.
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