Why Haven't The Blue Jays Offered Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a Contract Extension yet?
The Toronto Blue Jays are deliberating their future for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., their fan favorite, slugging first baseman. After signing a $19.9 million contract in arbitration this off-season, Guerrero Jr. has only more year of arbitration eligibility until he can explore free agency. Why haven't the Jays decided to lock him up for the long term?
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.
«I have no grudge against the Blue Jays, despite the tense negotiations I had with the team during salary arbitration, It's just business. I would like to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career, but the team has not made me an offer yet." � Guerrero Jr.
Must read on Blue Jays Insider
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.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
POLL |
24 MARS | 101 ANSWERS Why Haven't The Blue Jays Offered Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a Contract Extension yet? Will Vlad Guerrero Jr. stay in Toronto? |
Yes | 67 | 66.3 % |
No | 34 | 33.7 % |
List of polls |
|
2 minutes ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays in trouble as both their back up options if they miss out on Corbin Burnes has signed |
|
31 minutes ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr breaks silence on contract negotiations and does not seem happy |
|
16 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Chicago Cubs sign former Toronto Blue Jays player this afternoon |
|
17 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins has some serious contract issues on his hands |
|
20 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Toronto Blue Jays look to have possibly found their DH for the 2025 season |
|
21 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Shot taken at Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr is recent report ranking dead last in the MLB |
|
21 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr Former Toronto Blue Jays ace offered up in a trade for St Louis Cardinals Nolan Arenado |
|
23 hours ago | By Bobby Ohr The Toronto Blue Jays deliver touching message regarding the passing of MLB legend Rickey Henderson |