The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero were unable to come to terms on an extension before the start of spring training. He is currently slated to hit free agency after the season and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal revealed he is looking for $500 million in present value. According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, the Blue Jays offered him nearly $500 million in total value, but with deferrals.
Even though Guerrero originally noted he would only negotiate until the start of spring training, Blue Jays’ president Mark Shapiro is confident the two sides will agree on an extension.
“I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him,” Shapiro told reporters, according to The Athletic.
When made aware of Shapiro’s comments by Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi, Guerrero said, “I’ll be open.”
Guerrero also explained that he is going to keep his focus on the field and allow his agents to deal with contract negotiations. However, Guerrero’s production on the field could quickly change his demands. During an interview with Spanish-language journalist Yancen Pujols, Guerrero revealed he believes his floor in free agency is $500 million, but an MVP-caliber season could push discussions past $700 million.
A recent report from MLB Insider Héctor Gómez suggests the Blue Jays are gearing up to make Guerrero a new offer “in the range of 14-15 years and $550-600 million,” Gómez wrote on X.
Guerrero has noted he wishes to stay in Toronto for the rest of his career. Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done. However, until Guerrero puts pen to paper, his future in Toronto will be in doubt.
More MLB: Pirates’ Paul Skenes Rookie Card Helps Kid Become Millionaire
The post Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Has 3-Word Response to Mark Shapiro’s Comments appeared first on Newsweek.
