Most baseball fans know the score: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays are entering a crossroads. Vladdy’s in his last year under contract ($28.5M salary), he will be a free agent after 2025 unless a deal is reached. Rumors of a $500 million-plus extension are constant. Guerrero Jr. himself has dealt with this, frequently expressing sentiments like that he’d “love to stay here my entire career” while realistically while realistically accepting “it’s a business.” That sets the stage for intense scrutiny of his future in the powerhouse AL East.

Such uncertainty naturally bred rampant trade speculation, especially as early extension discussions seemed to have come to a halt. The situation was being monitored closely by teams around the league.

Among the potential suitors noted were the New York Mets, the division-rival Boston Red Sox, the Seattle Mariners, and the San Francisco Giants. The Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers were even mentioned in speculative discussions. However, Toronto placed an extremely high asking price on any potential trade. They clearly held their franchise star in high regard, requesting a significant return package. And they indicated they were not willing to part ways easily.

But now, the story’s taking a sharp turn — those swirling trade rumors about Vladdy Jr. leaving Toronto? They’re starting to fade. In fact, such a recent update could quell the trade talk and come as a sign of the Blue Jays’ commitment. As a result, the saga may be coming to an end where it began, according to reporter Mike Rodriguez.

Rodriguez wrote on Twitter, “Breaking News: According to my sources, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Toronto Blue Jays are very close to closing an extension agreement of more than $500 million dollars”. And this report implies a blockbuster deal to keep Vladdy Jr. still in the AL East. And in particular with Toronto, is on deck.

This reported breakthrough suggests the Blue Jays are the AL East team closing in. Toronto made “record-setting” offers to Guerrero Jr., Manager Ross Atkins previously confirmed. These proposals, he said, “would’ve made him one of the highest-paid players in the game.” President Mark Shapiro has stated, “I think we’re going to sign him… We have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome.” Shapiro sees Vladdy Jr. as a “true legacy player” for the Blue Jays and once again claims the franchise’s strong desire to finalize this extension in the near future, seeing Vladdy Jr. finishing his “career in a Blue Jays uniform.”

A proven powerhouse: Guerrero Jr.’s impressive track record

That kind of commitment comes directly from the immense value Guerrero Jr. provides on the field. He has a strong .288 lifetime average and 160 home runs. He registered a historic 2021 season, leading the majors with 48 homers and finishing second in the MVP vote. He went on to produce consistently, including an outstanding 2024 season. Last year, Vladdy hit .323, with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, his second Silver Slugger. He has been chosen for four All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove.

But Guerrero Jr. isn’t the only big bat Toronto has spent on lately. Outfielder George Springer is playing on a six-year, $150 million deal, but had a down 2024. Catcher Alejandro Kirk just signed a five-year, $58 million extension this spring. The Jays also made some noise, signing former Oriole Anthony Santander over five seasons, for $92 million — Santander hit 44 homers last time. Adding players like shortstop Bo Bichette shows Toronto is building a potent offense around its stars.

So far, this assemblage of offensive talent has produced early results for Toronto. The team stormed through spring training, winning the Grapefruit League title with a league-best 18-10 record. They took that momentum straight into the regular season. As of April 5th, Toronto leads the tough American League East division with a solid 5-2 record. Having won four in a row, the Jays are showing the kind of power and potential this high-priced roster possesses.

Amidst this team’s success, how has the potential $500 million man himself performed lately? Guerrero Jr. had a good 2025 spring training, where he hit. 298 with one home run in 18 games. His regular-season start has been moderate, managing a .241 with no homers in his first eight games. But advanced data indicates he is consistently making hard contact, so better results could be on the way. With negotiations said to be reaching a conclusion, will this enormous long-term contract finally become official soon?