Another day, another Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drama! Things were already quite messy when the Toronto Blue Jays couldn’t extend Vlad for the long term in 2025. And when negotiations hit a wall, Guerrero Jr. simply shut down talks to focus on his game. Now it was almost given he would head to free agency. And probably, he is the next big gem next season.

But hold on—Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro just threw a curveball. “I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him. The reason I feel that way is because we have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome.” He shared with Keegan Matheson that there aren’t many players who are signed, developed, and born in Canada and play their entire careers there. And he sees that Vlad, as a player, can do that.

But really, where is this coming from? Well, it might have to do with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent comment that has sent the Jays into a panic.

It’s not unknown that Vlad does want to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays. But the team might have taken him for granted, and it seems to have backfired. Because right now, the Vladdy, who stated “Not even (when I’m) dead” (in 2022) about playing for the New York Yankees, has had a change of heart.

In a recent interview with Dominican reporters, Yancen Pujols, Guerrero Jr. said, “I’ll speak to every team, including the Yankees.” This bombshell must have shaken the Toronto Blue Jays’ belief that no matter what, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on Team Jays.

And as far as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s move to the Yankees, it’s really not too far off to think about. More so because the Yankees might just have the space to accommodate him. They have Paul Goldschmidt at first base, but that’s only for a year. Unless they decide to fill the position internally, Vlad fits right in. Also, Ben Rice has been stellar this spring, who is playing in place of Giancarlo Stanton. But if the Yankees need a big bat for the long term, locking Guerrero Jr. would be great.

So, now, the question is – will the Jays be able to lock him in with his big expectations?

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expecting a Soto-like payday

The “Yankee” surprise wasn’t the only thing that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. dropped in the interview. For the first time, he got pinpoint specific about his free agency and his monetary expectations. He said he could make up to $700 million if he manages an MVP-level performance in 2025. But even if he isn’t at his best, “I see my floor at $500 million.” Now this is a huge number for any player, let alone someone who just turned 25.

This is another big shift from previous talks where the 25-year-old suggested that he wasn’t looking for Juan Soto-type money. But now, these figures put him right in the same arena as Soto. Hence the big question is whether the Blue Jays can match up. They have already lost superstars in free agency like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. So what would make them retain Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by so much? And if they are really pursuing him, they need to act fast.

According to MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Blue Jays are still in the picture. Also, reports suggest that they are ready for a new offer of around 14-year, $550-$600 million. And if the rumors are true, it would be the franchise’s biggest offer in history.

But right now, given that even Bo Bichette is to enter free agency, things are tense. Losing two superstars is not what they want to do next season.

What do you think—will the Blue Jays finally get this one right, or is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on his way out?