There was a time when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was expected to be the unfailing face of the Toronto Blue Jays for years to come. “I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him,” said Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro, as recently as on 20th March. But that future is suddenly appearing a bit shaky now. With free agency nearing after the 2025 season, Guerrero Jr.’s repeatedly delayed contract negotiations with the Blue Jays have hit another setback.

The initial deadline decided by Guerrero to get the deal done was February 18, 2025. The deadline obviously passed, but despite the final date being pushed, the negotiations never stopped. Many believe that the front office isn’t doing much to keep their star slugger. Elsewhere, some even think that Guerrero’s 14-year, $500 million contract is simply a lot. Either way, both sides have failed to find an acceptable middle ground.

MLB Insider and The Athletic’s Stephen Nesbitt recently ended up with a bold prediction for Guerrero Jr.’s future with the team. “The Blue Jays will not only extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr,” Nesbitt projected. “15 years, $600 million with deferrals. But will ride his bat to a Wild Card berth and the club’s first ALDS appearance since 2016.”

However, according to Guerrero, neither side was ever close to a deal, with both parties being reportedly $50 million apart. To mitigate this, the Blue Jays made a counteroffer, but as it turns out, it wasn’t enough. In the midst of all that, fans are losing their patience.

The Blue Jays can ill-afford a  misstep at this stage, with the debates having already ignited about Guerrero’s next potential moves. Some are predicting that his future as a Yankee or a Met. Seeing him in another jersey? It’s simply a nightmare for Blue Jays fans. So as things stand, it’s a defining moment for the franchise itself. Will they be able to bear the risk of watching him walk away and face the wrath of their own fanbase?

Fans have had enough—Blue Jays’ handling of Guerrero Jr.’s contract sparks frustration

After yet another dead-end attempt by the Blue Jays to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the frustrations have spilled over to social media. From questioning the team’s approach to labelling it an outright embarrassment, the patience of the fans is wearing thin. Many predicted that Guerrero has already mentally checked out from the team and there’s nothing Toronto can do now to get him back.

A fan labelled this entire negotiation process a dead end, stating, “I mean, if they weren’t going to give him what he wants… Why waste the time?” According to him, the Blue Jays have let this drag on unnecessarily, only to fall short again. If the Blue Jays weren’t able to meet his price, what’s the point of dragging the negotiations along?

Some believe this whole scenario makes the Blue Jays look incompetent at this point. He stated, “Blue Jays are just embarrassing themselves at this point”. According to this perspective, it’s more about how the team badly has handled this situation, eventually potentially losing a star slugger.

Many were convinced that all the signs of failed negotiations reflect that Guerrero wouldn’t anyway want to stay. As one commented, “When are they going to take the hint he’s not staying 😂😭” . If a player has mentally checked out of the team, he’s really is just as good as gone.

Few have already lost heart, saying, “Just give it up, guys; it’s over.” The fans have seen it all before—the hesitation of teams, playing hard-to-get cards, and what not. They’ve witnessed star players gone just like that, including the times when Bryce Harper left Washington and Freddie Freeman walked from Atlanta. And now, amidst all the dilly-dallying, Toronto too might have to come to terms with the reality.

Some fans see no reason for a debate here; they’re simple with their stance: “Just. Pay. Him.” It might come as a mistake to lose someone as young and talented as Guerrero, who posted .323/.396/.940 last season. The fans have laid it all out – their desperation, frustration and anxiety. In time, we’ll find out if the Blue Jays have listened to them.