Why Haven't The Blue Jays Offered Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a Contract Extension yet?

Back in April, Valdimir Guerrero Jr. has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, where he has been for his whole career. After an intense arbitration, some players may feel disrespected or unwanted, but this is not the case for the star first baseman after talking with Enrique Rojas of ESPN.

Despite a somewhat underwhelming 2023 season by his own standards, Vladdy was still able to produce above average offensively, hitting .264 with 26 home runs and 94 RBIs, Guerrero Jr. remains a significant asset and the future of the Jays' success. His biggest question mark is his defensive play at first base and at times some stretches of inconsistency at the plate.

Contract expectations between Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays could explain the delay in negotiations, both sides may have very different ideas on what the number should be to keep him in Toronto. In the end, this could benefit Guerrero, if he can get back to his old self and show signs of his stellar 2021 season, where he finished second in American League MVP voting, he can reach a max deal like what we saw star 1B Freddie freeman get. He signed a six-year, $162 million deal in 2022.

A Career .279 hitter, Guerrero Jr has proven in spring training that he will not less this offseason slow him down, if anything, it may have given him the spark and pressure needed to perform at the highest level once again. In 12 games this spring, he is hitting a monstrous .467 and slugging .800 with 3 HR and 10 RBI's. if this is any inclination of what the regular season will be, he can be expecting some MVP hardware in his trophy case along with a shiny to max contract. This will sure be beneficial to Guerrero Jr. but could prove to be costly for the Blue Jays pocket book.