Don't be surprised if contract extension talks between the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. come write down to the wire.
That's always been the baseball way.
While Blue Jays fans are champing at the bit and wondering why a deal hasn't gotten done, many industry insiders and GM's point to a lack of impetus and momentum without a set deadline in place.
There is also a certain element of gamesmanship when it comes to these sort of talks.
As Ben Cherington, former assistant GM of the Blue Jays and current GM of the Pirates explains, the data revolution has a lot to do with it.
Not without a deadline, the train may be out of the station on that because the industry is full of people that are really attuned to data and fighting for the eighth decimal point of value on everything. Some of that is because of the data revolution, and some of that is just because of the business mindset and competitiveness. I just don't see that turning around.
Without a deadline, there isn't momentum.
It's a large reason why the Blue Jays remain cautiously optimistic that a deal can get done before Tuesday.
But even if February 18th passes without a deal, it doesn't mean Guerrero won't be a Blue Jay for life.
A lot of comparisons are being made with Aaron Judge, who cut off negotiations, tested free agency, and ultimately re-signed with the Yankees.