While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shared his self-imposed deadline of February 17 to end the discussion with the Blue Jays, look at the date today – things are far from over! And Vladdy’s recent update only ignited the conversations a bit more! 

Guerrero’s asking price of $500 million is something the Jays are still still skeptical about. If you remember, rumors were also out there that the Jays’ contention for Guerrero is over, and a free agency is inevitable post-2025 season. But President Mark Shapiro’s recent remarks have made fans hopeful again. 

Expectedly, the team is going all out to retain Guerrero. “I think we’re going to extend him,” Sapiro shared. Well, that sounds positive and signals the team’s willingness to sign Guerrero.

And now, Vladdy has also cleared his stance with the Jays. MLB insider Hazel Mae reported that Guerrero said, “Not going to shut the door on them… I’ll be open. But I’m going to leave that to my agents to work with that. I’m just going to be on the field, focusing on my teammates, on my team, on my game.”

Hope from everywhere! While Vlad’s emotions are understandable with the Jays and of course, his “optimistic” outlook, wondering why the team might be willing to invest the amount?

Well, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got numbers on his side to lead the talks. Just last year, he won his second Silver Slugger Award, had his fourth consecutive All-Star season, and came in sixth in the AL MVP voting. With 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, a .544 slugging percentage, and a .396 on-base percentage, he hit .323 in 159 games. Moreover, he has been playing for the Jays since his debut, scoring 160 home runs and 507 RBIs in 819 games. That’s too big a number to lose for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays’ postseason run can make a deal for Guerrero

What would it take for the Jays to retain Guerrero? Matching $500 million might not be the only thing out there. It is also a successful postseason run that can make a deal.

As per MLB insider Rob Longley, “a winning team” is what Guerrero is looking forward to. The Blue Jays last won a World Series in 1993, and their last postseason run was in 2016. So, Guerrero, in his six seasons with the Jays is yet to get a postseason taste. Might be a reason for him to go for a better contending team. Just mentioning!

But this season, the Jays have got some good names on their roster.

With Max Scherzer, Andrés Giménez, Jeff Hoffman, and Anthony Santander, they have made a good noise. This lineup has the potential to be very strong because Guerrero and Bo Bichette are still there, and Scherzer’s acquisition completes their intimidating rotation with Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, and Kevin Gausman. Seems like the Jays are showing an intention to go big this year.  

Guerrero is still willing to play with the Jays considering they find a common ground. Once that is worked out, fans can bet on the team this year for a better postseason run. Right?