Will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. be the next Juan Soto? It sure looks that way. Last offseason, Juan Soto’s free agency was the hottest storyline, and Guerrero might be the next big thing post-2025. Reports suggest that the Blue Jays’ long-standing push to extend Guerrero has fallen short, with the slugger now eyeing the open market. Why? The asking price: $500 million for more than 12 years! Yes, that’s what Guerrero expects this time around. But considering how first basemen have historically been undervalued, is he worth that kind of money?

“He deserves a 13-year, $585 million contract,” Hall of Famer David Ortiz recently said about Guerrero. Why? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recorded 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .323 batting average in 2024. In the ongoing spring training, he recorded a single at 117.6 mph in a game against the Orioles. His potential is further demonstrated by his slugging percentage of .544 and .940 OPS, which might help any team field a strong lineup that aims to win the next few seasons. Well, all these are coming at the age of 25, making a strong case for the suitors to go for a long-term deal with Guerrero. 

While the Jays are reportedly left behind in the contention, which are the teams behind Guerrero? Expectedly, a cash-rich team like the Mets! Considering how they are going all-out to get the best names and offered $765 million to Soto, landing Guerrero post-2025 is a cakewalk for them. But will they? “One rival GM thinks Vlad Jr. is worth every penny of the $500M, but people around the game don’t see Mets honcho David Stearns spending that much money on a slugging first baseman — even a young one,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said in the NY Post. If not the Mets, then who? A possible postseason run of the Jays can shuffle things again.

The Jays’ postseason run makes a case for Guerrero

“Regardless of how deep an organization’s pockets are, you can’t do multiple of these,” David Stearns said earlier, referring to why it is not viable for the Mets to do the same as Soto. This confirms that the Mets are not going to break the bank for Guerrero. So, who’s left? The Blue Jays! While the Jays and Vladdy are yet to agree, he always shares his love for Toronto. However, apart from the monetary factor, it is the winning mentality that Guerrero is seeking. The Jays last got a World Series ring in 1993. A reason for Guerrero to jump the ship.

According to MLB insider Rob Longley, “Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had one more zinger: A winning team.” He is looking to get a championship under his belt, which he has still not achieved with the Jays. Thus, a strong postseason run this year can make a case for the Jays. With players like Anthony Santander and Bo Bichette this year, a postseason dream is on. This can make Guerrero agree with $500 million on a deferred payment. Maybe. It all needs a desperation from the Blue Jays to go big this year.

Historically, the Jays have failed to attract big names, and hence, it would be too costly to let him go. 

Do you think the Jays can have the last laugh with Guerrero? Let us know below.