Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays finally reached an agreement on Sunday night. The 14-year, $500 million extension is pending a physical. The announcement comes on the heels of massive uncertainty surrounding Guerrero Jr’s future with the team.
He entered Spring Training this year with a negotiation deadline of February 18. When that deadline came and went, the world expected this to be Guerrero Jr’s walk year and would test the free-agent market for the first time at the end of the season.
Blue Jays Get Guerrero Jr.
Both Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays should be very happy with what they were able to accomplish. Not only does it keep him in Toronto for most, if not the rest, of his career, but it gives the Blue Jays an optimistic fight for contention in a heavy American League East division for years to come.
The deal is the largest in Blue Jays history, significantly eclipsing George Springer’s six-year $150 million contract in 2021. Guerrero Jr. debuted in 2019 to much excitement and has proven his worth over the span. Posting a career 21.6 WAR and .287/.362/.861 slash line, Vladdy has emerged as one of the premier power hitters playing today.
Much has been put on his shoulders from a young age. He is the son of legend Vladimir Guerrero and has been working toward this day his entire life. As soon as he was drafted, his entire career has been under scrutiny, but he never let it affect him. Now, he has significantly reaped the rewards and solidified himself and his family for life.
What’s Next?
Now that their franchise icon has finally been locked up the Blue Jays can start looking to solidify the core around him. All eyes now turn to shortstop Bo Bichette who is in his final year and hits free agency at the end of the season. Bichette debuted in 2019 as well and has been one of the best offensive shortstops in the game. A close friend of Guerrero Jr, he has said they have wanted to play together forever, but it’s up to the Blue Jays to make that happen.
