In baseball, there’s nothing more dangerous than a superstar with something to prove. Just ask the Yankees how it turned out when they lowballed Aaron Judge in 2022. Instead of settling, Judge went on to smash 62 home runs, win MVP, and force New York to cough up a nine-year, $360 million contract. And now, it seems Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is preparing to do the same—only this time, it’s Toronto that might regret waiting too long.

According to MLBScoops, Guerrero Jr. has no interest in negotiating an extension with the Blue Jays. Instead, he’s focused on betting on himself and delivering a season that forces the front office to pay up or risk losing him altogether. The 25-year-old reportedly feels slighted by the team’s hesitation to commit to him long-term and is determined to prove his worth. With free agency looming after 2025, he’s setting his sights on a Judge-like payday.

“I want to prove them wrong,” Guerrero reportedly told a close source. “I know what I’m worth. If they don’t, I’ll show them.“ That kind of mindset should terrify opposing pitchers—and of course, give notice to Toronto’s front office.

Vladimir Guerrero’s decision isn’t surprising. Despite being the face of the franchise, Toronto has hesitated to lock him up long-term. Negotiations have been sporadic at best, and while past discussions suggested a potential mega-deal, Guerrero now seems determined to let his bat dictate his value. From his perspective, he holds all the leverage. He’s still young, with two seasons of arbitration left before free agency. So, a monster 2025 campaign—especially one that mirrors his 2021 MVP-caliber season (.311 AVG, 48 HR, 1.002 OPS)—could set him up for a historic contract.

If Judge could secure a megadeal at the age of 30, what could stop a younger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? A $400 million+ contract wouldn’t be out of the question, right? The Blue Jays are now at a crossroads.

If Guerrero delivers an MVP-worthy season but refuses to negotiate, Toronto might face an impossible choice: Let him walk into free agency and get nothing but a compensatory draft pick. Or trade him before he reaches free agency, potentially mid-season. But neither option is ideal for a team trying to compete in the AL East. Losing Guerrero would be a gut punch for a fanbase that has seen minimal postseason success in recent years.

If not Toronto, then where? Teams that would break the bank for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. actually hits free agency after 2025, get ready for a bidding war of epic proportions. Players of his caliber—young, powerful, and just entering their prime—almost never become available. The moment he’s on the market, teams with deep pockets will start lining up, ready to throw mind-blowing contracts his way. And let’s be honest: If Toronto doesn’t pay him, someone else absolutely will.

The Los Angeles Dodgers feel like the obvious front-runner. They’ve made a habit of landing generational stars, and with Freddie Freeman turning 36 in 2026, Guerrero could be his long-term replacement at first base. But would the New York Yankees let him slip away?

After losing out on their greatest acquisition this year, they are expected to make heavy moves in the next off-season. And Guerrero could be the next Bronx Bomber, pairing with Aaron Judge to create a nightmare for pitchers.

And don’t sleep on the San Francisco Giants, as well, who have struck out on big names in recent years but remain desperate to land their next franchise cornerstone.

But what if a wild-card team swoops in? The Chicago Cubs have money to spend and a young core that could use a superstar bat. The New York Mets—with Steve Cohen’s bottomless wallet—could make a massive push to steal Guerrero from their AL East rival. Even the Seattle Mariners, if they finally decide to stop playing it safe, could see Vladdy as the missing piece of a championship puzzle.

Toronto’s front office might think they still have time. But really? They don’t. The moment Guerrero hits free agency, it’s open season—and the Blue Jays will have to watch as baseball’s richest teams fight to make him theirs.