March 7 (UPI) – Toronto Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. disclosed during a recent interview that he requested “less than $600 million” in contract extension talks this offseason. Speaking with ESPN, Guerrero revealed that his representatives sought “much less than [Juan] Soto,” referring to the 15-year, $765 million deal the All-Star outfielder signed with the New York Mets in December.
“It was the same number of years, but it didn’t reach [$600 million],” Guerrero said. “The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn’t reach 600.”
The 25-year-old slugger admitted he “lowered [his] salary demands a bit” and reduced the proposed contract length. Guerrero expressed interest in a deal spanning 14, 15, or even 20 years. He set a firm deadline of February 22 for negotiations, after which he would no longer discuss an extension. As a result, Guerrero is now poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2025-26 offseason.
“They have their numbers; I have my numbers,” Guerrero said last month upon arriving at spring training. “But you know, it’s just business. Things happen. The front office and my agents met. Both sides tried, but obviously, we couldn’t reach an agreement.” He told reporters at the time that he and the Blue Jays were not close to a deal.
Guerrero is coming off a career-best season in 2023, hitting .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs over 159 games. He earned $19.9 million last year and has been a four-time All-Star during his six seasons with Toronto, amassing a .288 average and 160 home runs.
This spring, Guerrero has started strong, going 8 for 23 (.400) in his first eight appearances, including a home run, two doubles, and four RBIs. The Blue Jays will continue their spring training schedule against the New York Yankees at 6:35 p.m. EST on Friday in Tampa, Florida.
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