The Toronto Blue Jays were unable to secure an extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this offseason, meaning the star slugger is set to hit free agency. According to The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal, Guerrero is seeking a massive $500 million in present-day value.
While the Blue Jays reportedly offered a deal close to that amount, it included significant deferrals. Should Guerrero enter the open market, he will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after players.
In an interview with Spanish-language journalist Yancen Pujols, Guerrero made a noteworthy comment about the New York Yankees’ chances of landing him, saying, “Including the Yankees,” when discussing his availability for all teams in free agency.
This marks a shift in Guerrero’s previous stance, especially considering his harsh comments about the Yankees just a few years ago. In 2022, Guerrero famously stated, “I like to play in New York. I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even (when I’m) dead,” according to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa. However, Guerrero’s recent comments show a more open mindset toward the Yankees, which has raised eyebrows.
Earlier this offseason, Guerrero expressed his desire to stay with the Blue Jays, acknowledging the business side of the game. MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson reported that while Guerrero wants to remain in Toronto, he understands the dynamics of the sport.
The Blue Jays are now reportedly preparing a new offer that is closer to Guerrero’s expectations. According to MLB insider Héctor Gómez, the Blue Jays plan to offer Guerrero a deal in the range of 14-15 years, worth between $550-600 million.
For the Blue Jays, the best way to prevent Guerrero from potentially signing with the Yankees is to finalize an extension soon. If Guerrero reaches free agency, the Yankees could be a top contender to land the star hitter, which would undoubtedly make waves across the MLB.
Leave a Reply