What do you get when you have a .288 career hitter with power and mix in a little bit of Hall of Fame DNA? Vlad Guerrero Jr. is your answer! The 25-year-old superstar for the Toronto Blue Jays received a $28.5 million arbitration deal. Vladdy will enter his seventh season with the team and will become a free agent in 2026. What does this deal mean for Guerrero’s future? What does it mean for the Blue Jays organization?
Guerrero and Blue Jays’ Current State
The Toronto Blue Jays have been building their core structure around a young, talented group of bonafide stars. The combination of Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette has sparked some interest in the team from up north as two of the most exciting players in the game today. Bichette is rumored to want out of the organization, and trade rumors are starting to swirl. Bichette and Guerrero are set to hit the open market together for the 2026 season.
This could be devastating for the organization if a long-term deal can not be worked out with them. Bichette is said to be “as good as gone,” so a deal before the trade deadline is expected. Vlad Guerrero has been the face of the franchise since his debut in 2019. He received his one-year arbitration deal for the 2025 season before becoming a free agent. Vladdy should be one of the most coveted players in the class of 2026 and is going to get a hefty pay raise.
The Blue Jays must make him the main priority this season or this offseason to retain his services. Especially with the Jays most likely losing Bichette, the team should build their lineup on the power-hitting first baseman. The division continues to improve with the Yankees making moves left and right, the Orioles improving their young core every year, the Red Sox always spending, and the Rays somehow being competitive playing with the “big boys.” Toronto could easily and quickly fall way behind!
Guerrero’s Career Stats
Guerrero has been a stud since coming to the league in 2019. The guy continues to rake and sometimes puts the entire team on his back. In his 6 seasons, he is a 4-time All-Star, 2-time, 2-time Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove Award Winner, an All-Star Game MVP, and a Home Run Derby Winner!
He is coming off one of his best seasons in 2024, with a career-high .323 average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBI. Vladdy is a .288 career hitter with a Wins Against Replacement of 21.5. This guy can straight up hit and should be a prized player for any organization next offseason. He is now hitting the prime of his career and the money will reflect that.
Final Thoughts
Guerrero Jr. should be the team’s top priority! He will be the most sought-after free agent when he hits the market. I wouldn’t be surprised by the recent news of Bichette wanting out if the Blue Jays go full rebuild mode and trade both superstars. If Toronto does not get a long-term deal done with Guerrero, it is guaranteed that one of the big market teams will give the slugger a 10-year deal since that seems to be the new trend in baseball.
I expect him and Bichette to make their best Eddie Murphy impression by “Coming to America” in the offseason. Blue Jay fans might look back at this team’s talent and think what could have been! These superstars that may be leaving Toronto could be future Hall of Fame Inductees.
