Amid the whirlwind of MLB Free Agency, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in the thick of negotiations with their first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Given Guerrero’s stellar performance during the 2023 season, where he notched 26 home runs and 94 RBIs, it’s no surprise that his asking price for a contract extension is soaring.
As the contractual chess match unfolds, Guerrero reportedly tabled a request for $19.9 million. Toronto promptly responded with a counteroffer of $18.05 million, according to information from Bob Nightengale. The question now lingers: will the young star agree to the terms presented?
In the past season, Guerrero’s bat spoke volumes as he boasted an average of .264 and an impressive OPS of .768. These numbers firmly secured him a spot in the Top 40 across MLB in both home runs and RBIs. The 24-year-old’s pivotal role played a significant part in the Blue Jays finishing the season with an 89-73 record, earning them a coveted spot in the MLB Playoffs as an AL Wild Card team, though the Twins would ultimately sweep them aside.
With aspirations of a deeper postseason run in 2024, Toronto is keen on fortifying its roster. The 2023-24 MLB Free Agency saga added its own twist when the Blue Jays flirted with the idea of acquiring Shohei Ohtani. Initial reports suggested the superstar was en route to Canada, but the excitement was short-lived as Ohtani ultimately inked a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite this setback, the Blue Jays still have an opportunity to solidify their foundation for sustained success through the ongoing negotiations with Guerrero. If both parties can find common ground on the financial front, there’s an increased likelihood that Guerrero will remain a cornerstone of the team for the foreseeable future. The stakes are high, but the potential payoff for Toronto in securing Guerrero’s long-term commitment could be a game-changer.