The Toronto Blue Jays are working up against a strict deadline to get a contract done, but one reporter continues to be adamant that it will happen. Spanish MLB Insider Hector Gomez continues to hint that a Blue Jays extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is coming soon.
Gomez has been posting for weeks that the Jays and Guerrero will come to a resolution, and he did the same thing again on Tuesday, saying that the "wait will soon be over."
Toronto Blue Jays pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Dunedin, Fla. in one week. A few days after that, the position players report.
So what needs to change in order for Guerrero to sign an extension with the Blue Jays?
The money, obviously. It's always the money, but how close are Guerrero and the Blue Jays?
And how realistic is it that the two sides will come together before the first full-squad workout on Feb. 18?
Even if the Blue Jays make another big splash between now and then, the Vladdy question will hang over the early days of camp.
This decision represents the direction of this organization for years to come, and if they're not going to build around Guerrero, who is the next young core piece?
There's two things to know here.
Guerrero is smart when it comes to the business of baseball, and he's grown up over the past couple of years, fully embracing and understanding what this moment means.
He also understands legacy and the allure of representing the Blue Jays -- and yes, a country -- for his entire career.
Guerrero hasn't been shy about his desire to stay in Toronto long-term.
If the Blue Jays can get this done before the 2025 season begins, it would be this front office's biggest win to date and immediately reignite a fan base that wants to see its homegrown star stay right where he is.