Shortly after it turned identified in February that Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. plans to achieve free company after the 2025 MLB season concludes, he revealed
that he and the Blue Jays by no means got here significantly shut to an settlement earlier than the beginning of spring coaching video games.
Throughout a latest chat with ESPN, Guerrero hit again at claims suggesting the 15-year, $765M contract that All-Star outfielder Juan Soto acquired from the New York Mets this previous offseason impacted the 25-year-old’s negotiations with the Blue Jays.
“It is a lot lower than Soto,” Guerrero mentioned concerning the closing provide his camp introduced to the Blue Jays. “We’re speaking about many fewer hundreds of thousands than Soto, greater than 100 million much less. … It was the identical variety of years [as Soto’s contract], but it surely did not attain [$600M]. The final quantity we gave them as a counteroffer did not attain [$600M].”
Earlier than the Mets signed fan-favorite slugger Pete Alonso to a two-year, $54M deal that included an opt-out after this season, MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY reported that the Amazins had “checking in” conversations with the Blue Jays about Guerrero’s availability. Some inside the MLB neighborhood view big-spending Mets proprietor Steve Cohen because the early favourite to win the Guerrero’s signature this coming fall.
“I do know the enterprise,” Guerrero continued through the ESPN chat. “I lowered the wage calls for a bit, however I additionally lowered the variety of years. … I am in search of 14 [years]. I would love 14, 15, even 20 if they provide them to me, however doing it the proper approach.”
Again on Feb. 18, ESPN’s Jeff Passan shared that “big-market suitors are anticipated to lavish [Guerrero] with among the largest contract presents in baseball historical past” shortly after the World Collection wraps up. Guerrero prompt he’ll attempt to comply with within the footsteps of Soto and New York Yankees captain Aaron Choose, each of whom not too long ago loved super stroll years earlier than they put pen to paper on monster offers.
“As I’ve at all times mentioned,” Guerrero added, “simply because we could not attain an settlement, I am not going to vary the best way I work. I’ve to maintain working.”
Most small-market golf equipment possible are already priced out relating to the upcoming Guerrero sweepstakes, and he might develop into much more costly if he produces the most effective offensive regular-season numbers of his profession. One wonders if Guerrero’s representatives will look to land a deal that features $600M in whole cash with some money deferred come November.
