Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seeks a $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, but he has specific conditions regarding the deal’s structure.
The star first baseman is aiming for a contract that reflects its present-day value, as reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal for The Athletic. Guerrero’s financial aspirations come after he considers any deferrals that may impact the total worth of the agreement.
Before Guerrero’s self-imposed deadline of February 17 for contract negotiations, the Blue Jays reportedly extended an offer close to $500 million. However, this proposal included substantial deferrals, which the New York Post indicated would likely reduce the present value to between $400 million and $450 million.
In contrast, Juan Soto’s groundbreaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets is free of deferred payments. This lengthy 15-year deal averages $51 million annually, making it second only to Shohei Ohtani’s in average annual value.
At 26, Guerrero has the potential to earn close to Soto’s annual salary, depending on the duration of his next contract. He expressed to ESPN earlier this month his desire for a deal comparable to Soto’s, if not longer.
“I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years. … I’m looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way,” Guerrero stated.
If Guerrero secures a 14-year, $500 million contract, it would yield an average annual value of $35.71 million. This arrangement would position him as the ninth-highest paid player in baseball and the fourth-highest paid hitter, excluding Ohtani, according to Spotrac.
Guerrero is widely regarded as the top player heading into free agency next winter, with the potential for his next contract to elevate him among the highest-paid athletes in the sport. Over recent seasons, he has distinguished himself as one of the premier first basemen, earning four consecutive All-Star selections. In 2024, he enjoyed a standout season, boasting a .323 batting average, a .396 on-base percentage, and 30 home runs alongside 103 RBIs.
[Related: Who could break Juan Soto’s $765M record? First look at future MLB free-agent classes]
Should Guerrero depart, the Blue Jays would face another setback in free agency. They have been actively pursuing big names like Ohtani and Soto but have missed out on several high-profile signings over the past few offseasons. Moreover, the team’s performance has declined, finishing last in the AL East with a record of 74-88 after two consecutive playoff appearances in 2024.
