Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension before his deadline on Monday night, meaning the 25-year-old star will enter free agency in November. Guerrero, a four-time All-Star and the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, indicated that the two sides were far apart in their negotiations.
“They had their numbers; I had my numbers,” Guerrero said, revealing the lack of alignment between the two parties. Following the failed discussions, Guerrero confirmed that he intends to cut off talks and play out the season as a free agent, setting the stage for his departure from the Blue Jays after the 2025 season.
The inability to secure Guerrero’s future with the team is another setback for the Blue Jays, who have faced challenges in recent years when pursuing star players. The team had also heavily pursued two-way star Shohei Ohtani and outfielder Juan Soto, but both players ultimately signed with other teams.
Guerrero’s potential departure represents the loss of Toronto’s best homegrown talent since Hall of Famer Roy Halladay, leaving the Blue Jays with the task of finding a way to keep their star player in town. Guerrero has expressed his desire to remain with Toronto, saying, “I will do anything, everything I can to stay here because I want to be here.”
Guerrero’s Impressive Performance and Blue Jays’ Offseason Moves Amid Uncertain Future
Guerrero has been a standout player for the Blue Jays since his debut in 2019, consistently ranking among the league’s top hitters. Last season, he posted a .323 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and a .544 slugging percentage, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 103 RBIs. He has also had a breakout season in 2021, finishing second in MVP voting.
Despite a couple of solid years in 2022 and 2023, Guerrero returned to his MVP-caliber form in 2024. This resurgence, combined with his impressive career numbers, means that he will likely be in line for one of the largest contract offers in baseball history when he hits free agency.
The Blue Jays have already been active in the offseason, making several notable moves to improve their roster. These include acquiring players like outfielder Anthony Santander and future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. Toronto also bolstered their bullpen and added Platinum Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez.
However, with the uncertainty around Guerrero’s future and Bo Bichette’s impending free agency after 2025, the team is left with questions about its long-term direction. With a payroll expected to exceed the luxury-tax threshold, the Blue Jays must balance their present aspirations with future financial flexibility.
Guerrero’s Uncertain Future as Blue Jays Consider Trade or Free Agency Options
Without a contract extension, Guerrero’s future with the Blue Jays is uncertain. While Toronto may consider trading him, the team is more inclined to start the season with him on the roster and reassess the situation at the trade deadline.
As one of the game’s premier hitters, Guerrero would command a massive return in any potential trade, making him one of the most valuable assets on the market. However, if the Blue Jays fail to extend Guerrero, he will be highly coveted by other teams, especially those in need of a long-term first baseman.
As Guerrero heads into free agency, he is expected to reset the market for first basemen. With his age and elite production, he will likely surpass the current top contracts, such as Miguel Cabrera’s eight-year, $248 million extension.
Teams like the Yankees and Mets, who could be in the market for a first baseman after 2025, may target Guerrero. Despite his shift to first base in recent years, Guerrero remains an exceptional hitter with rare bat-to-ball skills, making him one of the most intriguing free agents of his generation.