The future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Toronto Blue Jays is now uncertain. It was reported that the 25-year-old power hitter turned down two contract extension proposals in the months despite being seen as the team’s main figure, sparking concerns about the Blue Jays’ ability to sign their player before he becomes an agent following the 2025 season.

Guerrero Jr., the son of baseball legend Vladimir Guerrero Sr., has been a player for Toronto ever since he joined the team in 2019. Earning recognition as a two-time All-Star, he won a Gold Glove for his performance, solidifying his position as one of the brightest young stars in today’s baseball scene. Recent rumors suggest that Toronto’s contract proposals have not met Guerrero Jr.’s expectations and have reportedly not even reached the $400 million mark.

Could 2025 be Vladimir Guerrero’s last year in Toronto?

TNS Blue Jays reporter Scott Mitchell talked on a First Up podcast this Wednesday about Vladimir Guerrero’s negotiations with the Blue Jays. “It’s a really difficult spot to kind of envision them come to terms, and he’s not only turned down one contract offer, he’s turned down two over the last couple of months,” he noted, adding, “I don’t think he’s going to sign for anything less than $400, $450 million, and he’s kind of alluded to wanting in that range.”

The Blue Jays are currently positioned to navigate the negotiations with Guerrero Jr., whose refusal of two offers highlights their cautious approach toward investing in a groundbreaking deal. In the past, first basemen have not typically received contracts in the ballpark as Guerreros expected. For instance, recent deals, like Freddie Freeman’s $162 million contract and Paul Goldschmidt’s $130 million agreement, have set the bar.

Guerrero, however, brings unique leverage. Unlike Freeman or Goldschmidt, he is young and has untapped potential. Making sure to secure his signing is crucial; however, investing an amount exceeding $400 million might limit the team’s capacity to construct a roster in the AL East division.

Why timing matters: the clock is ticking for Toronto

The Blue Jays are running out of time to secure Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before free agency becomes a looming inevitability. With two offers already rejected and spring training just around the corner, Toronto faces mounting pressure to bridge the gap in negotiations. Once the 2025 season begins, Guerrero Jr.’s price tag could rise even higher if he delivers another strong campaign, further complicating Toronto’s ability to compete with aggressive suitors in free agency.

Toronto also risks losing any leverage they currently possess. Guerrero’s arbitration years are dwindling, and his value will peak during free agency, where he can negotiate freely with big-market teams willing to spend without hesitation. Delaying an extension not only increases the likelihood of losing Guerrero but also limits Toronto’s options to pivot, such as a potential trade to recoup value if an agreement remains out of reach. For a franchise striving to remain competitive in the AL East, the timing of this decision could shape its long-term trajectory.

As spring training looms, the gulf between the two sides grows more apparent. Unless the Blue Jays are willing to rewrite their internal valuation of Guerrero or he softens his stance, Toronto may face the unthinkable—watching their homegrown star explore free agency, leaving behind questions of what could have been their future.