Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be in a Blue Jays uniform for the rest of his career. (Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
The Toronto Blue Jays have secured Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the long haul.
In a groundbreaking move, the Blue Jays inked a monumental 14-year, $500 million extension with their standout player, as reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. This deal, devoid of any deferrals, solidifies Guerrero’s commitment to the Blue Jays.
The agreement now places Guerrero’s contract as the second-largest in MLB history in present value, trailing only Juan Soto’s massive $765 million deal with the New York Mets. Notably, Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes substantial deferrals.
Under this extended contract, Guerrero, aged 26, will remain a vital part of the Blue Jays’ roster until the conclusion of the 2039 season. With this move, it’s highly likely that Guerrero could potentially finish his MLB career in Toronto.
Having been a Blue Jay from the start, Guerrero’s loyalty to the team is unwavering, despite the chance to explore free agency after this season. Signed by the organization at just 16 years old from the Dominican Republic, Guerrero’s roots in Canada run deep, given that his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., played for the Montreal Expos. Since his MLB debut in 2019, Guerrero has proven to be a standout performer for the team.
The four-time All-Star showcased his prowess last season with a .323 batting average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs, although the team fell short of reaching the playoffs with a 74-88 record. In the current season, Guerrero boasts a .286 batting average with four RBIs and 10 hits in nine games.
Guerrero and the Blue Jays deliberated on this extension during the offseason, surpassing their initial February deadline. While talks briefly halted before spring training, Guerrero’s expressed desire for a $500 million deal remained steadfast.
With this historic agreement, the Blue Jays have met Guerrero’s demands head-on. By securing his future with the team, Toronto ensures stability and a foundation to build around for years to come.
The question of whether Guerrero will lead the Blue Jays to their first World Series title since 1993 remains unanswered, but with his talent and commitment, the possibilities are endless.