How do you play next to a guy who might not be there in the clubhouse next year? Awkward and a little sad, right? That’s the reality for the Blue Jays with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—their biggest bat and, for now, still one of them. He’s been with the Jays since he was 16, and now, at 25, he’s not only the franchise’s face but also the heart of the lineup. But with contract talks going south and free agency coming into the picture, one question arises: Can the Jays focus on winning, knowing their biggest star might soon wear another jersey? 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is currently under a one-year contract worth $28.5 million in the 2025 season. After this year, he goes the free agency way in 2026. This salary marks the third-highest for an arbitration-eligible player in MLB history, behind only Juan Soto’s $31 million in 2024 and Shohei Ohtani’s $30 million in 2023. 

But after extension negotiations started, the drama hit its peak on 17th February 2025. Vlad Jr. and the Jays had set a deadline for an extension; they went on till late, but in the end—nothing. And his direct takeaway? “They had their numbers, I had my numbers.” Toronto reportedly threw the number $400 million; however, after a 30-homer, 199-hit season, and Juan Soto’s $765 blockbuster deal, Vlad Jr. is not ready to settle, with his eyes set on a $500 million+ deal. 

Now, with free agency in conversation, the Jays can expect constant media buzz, maybe some clubhouse distractions, and maybe even rivals looking to take advantage. But Dan Shulman isn’t worried about the distractions. Shulman, the Blue Jays Play by Play announcer, said on the MLB network, “No, I don’t think—it hopefully won’t be a distraction.” He added, “I really hope it’s not a distraction because this team is trying to win games. Even though they didn’t sign him, they’re still gonna play the season.”

Vlad Jr. may be in his final season with the Blue Jays, but Shulman trusts that he’ll play like he always does. “And I don’t think it’s going to bother Vlad. I think he is wired that he’s gonna go out there, play the game, have a great season.” Vlad has dealt with intense expectations since he was just 16. Some contract drama isn’t going to throw him off his game. 

But his professionalism doesn’t signal he’s staying. Many think that Jaun Soto’s mind-boggling Mets deal changed Vlad Jr.’s expectations. “We didn’t get to an agreement. And now they’re going to have to compete with 29 other teams,” he said further. The Jays had their shot with Vlady; now the rest of the league gets theirs. 

However, the distraction debate is growing out of control; what does it really mean? 

Almost every road trip and press conference will have the same question: “Will Vlady stay?” Everyone on the field will be expected to address it, shifting the focus away from the matches. And if Vlad Jr. grows frustrated, it’s for sure going to affect the clubhouse’s vibes. Especially with teammates, like Bo Bichette, whose own contract is up in the air. The franchise’s powerhouse may feel the pressure, knowing that every play will affect his future deal. And the rest of the team? Will the Toronto Blue Jays remain strong with Vlad Jr. in their lineup? Or will it be a team that will never have a real chance to the playoffs?

Juan Soto’s issue with the 2022 Nationals proved how these distractions can ruin a season that eventually ended with a midseason trade and collapse. However, it can go the other way—Aaron Judge in 2022 and Shohei Ohtani in 2023 got through their contract years without distractions, delivering MVP-level performances. So it depends on the Blue Jays and Vlad Jr, which way they will go. But is the distraction debate even real? Some experts think it’s overblown, while others believe it has the potential to ruin Jay’s 2025 season.

Are the distractions real or overblown? Experts weigh in on Vlad Jr.’s contract saga

The distraction debate is spiraling as the contract drama grows out of control. But who’s really getting distracted—Vladimer Guerrero Jr., his teammates, or the front office? Jeff Blair, a baseball columnist, and Kevin Barker, a baseball analyst, discussed their split views on Sportsnet 590.

Jeff Blair suggests that Vlad Jr.’s contract drama affects the team “Every time the Jays is going into a new city, the first day the story of the day is going to be, ‘Will Vladdy sign in Boston? Will Vladdy sign in San Francisco? Vladdy sign in LA?’ And his solution is simple: “The easiest way to handle it? Sign the guy.” Well, without a deal, the media will remain uncontrollable. “I’m not blaming Vladdy, but this has got the potential to be a distraction. For everybody,” Jeff added.

But Kevin Barker isn’t buying this. “Do you really think teammates have went to the New York Post, read what Vladdy says that he may want to end up being a Yankee 12 months from now and go, ‘How in the world am I gonna throw strike one tomorrow?’ No, it’s not happening, nobody cares.” 

Barker makes a point that trades, contract issues, and media attention are something that players and teams are used to. They are professionals who face these things year after year. Well, except for Bo Bichette, Vlad Jr.’s friend, and another ‘maybe’ free agent. History backs both sides; it depends on them which way they choose to go.