It seems the contention of the Blue Jays for retaining Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will continue for now. The Jays have successfully avoided arbitration and kept Guerrero for 2025 but post this year, he is going to hit free agency and is expected to generate a good buzz. So what are the Blue Jays thinking about getting Guerrero to the team and what are they skeptical about offering what Guerrero is expecting? One MLB insider is giving his thoughts on the matter.

The money involved with Guerrero is huge. Reportedly, he just rejected the $340 million extension offer from the Blue Jays indicating his expectations for over $400 million. This is something the Jays are not willing to offer to Guerrero. So can it be concluded that the Blue Jays are done with Vladimir Guerrero or is there any chance left? When Guerrero hits free agency, what are the potential options left for him?

Vladimir Guerrero’s worth for the Blue Jays

Since his debut in 2019 for the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has contributed the maximum for the team. His numbers are speaking for him! In these five years, Guerrero amassed 160 HRs and 507 RBIs with a BA of .288. His 2024 was also decorated with 30 HRs and 103 RBIs. So, while there will be arguments about Guererro’s worth of fetching a record-breaking deal, stats are on his side. Since his debut in 2019, he was selected as an All-Star four times, won Silver Slugger twice, and was the leading home run leader in 2021. However, apart from his scores, how did the team benefit from him?

Well, the Blue Jays are yet to get a World Series ring after Guerrero joined them in 2019. No championship came home for the Jays with Guerrero in! “The Blue Jays defended three times a World Series appearance Two Times winning the pennant one time … that didn’t happen with Vladimir,” MLB insider David Samson said on his podcast.

So irrespective of what the fans are asking, the argument for the Blue Jays to not offer better value to Guerrero is not benefitting from his service. Something similar the Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said.

“The player is asking for something that we’re not going to give and the reason we’re not going to give is it’s the wrong move for the team!” Samson continued. Guerrero might be talented but maybe Toronto is not the right place for him, despite his contributions.

Options left ahead

Now that it’s clear that Guerrero is not going to sign the existing deal with the Blue Jays and is likely to hit free agency, what can be the potential moves for him? The primary option will always be the contention of the Blue Jays. Offering something north of $450 million may work with Guerrero, which all depends on Atkins. On the other hand, the Mets are reportedly interested in getting Guerrero to the team post-2025. Considering their deep pockets and aggressive bid for Juan Soto, offering $450 will be a cakewalk for them.

However, the recent statement from the Mets GM about his disinterest in offering Soto-like deals repeatedly is a concern for Guerrero. Several insiders already acknowledged Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a generational talent and his ability to drive merchandise sales is something irresistible for any other team. Guerrero has all the potential to attract Soto-like bids with the numbers he possesses. As rightly said by Samson, teams do not think about their payroll when landing players like Guerrero, they only think about the attention they will gain. Hence, Guerrero serves the right wine in the right glass in that case. 

It will be a historic failure for the Blue Jays to not land Vladimir Guerrero Jr. despite his inability to get the team a World Series. While for Guerrero, he can expect a better bid once he hits free agency. 

What do you think about the Jays’ approach with Guerrero? Share your thoughts with us below.