The Toronto Blue Jays and star infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have reportedly been in contract extension talks this MLB offseason. Avoiding arbitration with a $25.8 million contract for 2025, Toronto and Guerrero are working towards a potential longterm partnership.
Owning a career .863 OPS, the 25-year-old Guerrero is known to be seeking a large deal. On Jan. 30 it was reported by MLB insider Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital that a Guerrero extension in Toronto was getting closer.
“SOURCE: Talks between the #BlueJays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are progressing satisfactorily regarding a possible contract extension. The Jays are getting closer to what Vladdy Jr. is looking for,” Gomez wrote on X.
Gomez did not reveal in his report what Guerrero is looking for, but following this news of progress being made towards an extension, an update was provided by ESPN’s Paul Hembekides.
Per Hembekides on the “Baseball Tonight” podcast, Guerrero will not sign a contract that does not start at at least $400 million in total value.
“I don’t think Vlad Jr. is going to sign a piece of paper that does not start with the number four,” Hembekides said (h/t The Sporting News).
Guerrero’s decision to pursue a contract of this size makes sense, as the four-time American League All-Star is coming off a season in which he finished sixth in MVP voting. Posting a .940 OPS, the second-highest of his career, Guerrero finished the 2024 season with 30 home runs and 103 RBI.