The Blue Jays catch-22 when it comes to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension
Blue Jays fans had one Christmas wish: to see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed to a long-term contract extension. That Christmas wish has now become a New Year's resolution.
Yet, this whole time the Blue Jays have found themselves in a bit of a predicament; Vlad may not want to sign unless they are able to lure in a big-name free agent, and free agent may not want to come to Toronto unless Vlad is under control for the foreseeable future. Thus is the Jays catch-22.
Sure, Vladdy isn't expected to command Juan Soto money, but perhaps around the $500MM isn't unreasonable to expect. However, he may be overvaluing himself if that's the case.
Spotrac has Guerrero as a $38MM player. A 10 year/$400MM deal, which is more than double the highest-ever Blue Jays contract, would be valuing him at $2 million more. Not that far off.
However, it's a tricky situation, especially in a player's walk year. Some, like Aaron Judge and Marcus Semien have had fantastic seasons with free agency pending, others, not so much. If Vladdy has a season like he did in either 2021 or 2024 his price tag goes up. If he regresses, he'll get less.
Besides, more often than thought, players are only productive for the first couple years of these long-term commitments. We don't know yet the long term outcome for Soto, but just look at deals for Chris Davis, Anothony Rendon, or even Albert Pujols.
While neither Vlad nor the Jays want to settle for a middle ground, that might be their best play here.
While fans don't want to be waiting until after the 2025 season for Vladdy to get a deal; it might the safest, wisest, and most realistic option.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 478 ANSWERS The Blue Jays catch-22 when it comes to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension Should the Blue Jays sign Vladdy now or wait until 2025? | ||
| Now | 407 | 85.1 % |
| 2025 | 14 | 2.9 % |
| Trade him | 50 | 10.5 % |
| Let him walk | 7 | 1.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
