Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not interested in a deferred-money deal
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will not be pulling a Shohei Ohtani.
According to TSN Blue Jays reporter Scott Mitchell, the Blue Jays offered Guerrero multiple long-term contract options of ten and eleven years, one of which was significantly backloaded and came with several money deferrals. The 1st baseman essentially said thanks but no thanks.
While deferred-money deals have been the subject of debate ever since Ohtani's $700MM back-loaded contract, Vladdy's refusal to go that route significantly reduces the likelihood that the 1st baseman will sign a new contract before the start of the 2025 season.
Mitchell's statement would seem to contradict earlier reports that the Blue Jays made a 2nd offer that was significantly closer to what Vlad wanted. According to Mitchell, there is still a large gap between the two sides.
This also doesn't mean that a deal won't get next offseason. As Mitchell notes, it is possible that Guerrero just wants to go through the process of free agency and being courted by every team, while still intending to sign with the Blue Jays.
It could also be beneficial for the Blue Jays to wait as well. They have always been a relatively conservative team when it comes to spending and a $400MM+ contract would be highly unusual for them. But, they will have a little bit more money at the end of 2025 then they do right now, so there are many factors at play.
At least Ross Atkins is trying, maybe Vladdy just wants other things.
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