The Latest on Vladimir Guerrero Jr Extension talks
Ross Atkins and Vladimir Guerrero Jr are reportedly far apart on extension talks.
The Toronto Blue Jays and All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are reportedly not close to a potential extension, with USA Today's Bob Nightengale writing that the team is "at least $100 million apart" from the 25-year-old's asking price of $450 million.
Only limited time may be available to close the gap that exists between the two sides, as Guerrero said that he has let the front office know that he will cease negotiations after the first full day of the Jays' Spring Training camp.
Nightengale also reports that if a deal cannot be reached by spring training, the Montreal native will opt to test the waters in free agency.
The report implies that the Boston Red Sox, one of Toronto's division rivals, are a team that Guerrero Jr "would love" to play for.
If Guerrero Jr doesn't receive an extension by spring training, he'll test free agency.
If Vladdy doesn't return to the Blue Jays, he would love to be with the Red Sox, which may be why the Red Sox are hesitant in their pursuit of Alex Bregman.
Guerrero's teammate, Bo Bichette, is also set for free agency after the 2025 season, with Nightengale adding that the shortstop is "as good as gone" at the conclusion of his contract.
Bichette struggled with injury last year, with the Orlando native appearing in just half of Toronto's 162 game schedule.
That terrible season came out of nowhere.
Bichette has otherwise been one of the league's best middle infielders since he debuted in 2019.
He'd hit above .290 and reached 20 homers in each of his first three full seasons. Bichette went into the '24 campaign with a career .299/.340/.487 slash line in more than 2300 plate appearances.
He garnered down ballot MVP votes each year between 2021-23.
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SOURCES: MLBTR, Baseball Reference, USA Today
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