Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally Clarifies Contract Rumors: Sets the Record Straight on $600 Million Deal and Future with the Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally Clarifies Contract Rumors: Sets the Record Straight on $600 Million Deal and Future with the Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has recently addressed the rampant rumors regarding his potential long-term contract negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays. In an exclusive interview with ESPN, the four-time All-Star revealed that the reports suggesting he was seeking a deal worth upwards of $600 million are inaccurate. He emphasized that his actual request was far less than the astronomical figure many speculated.
Contrary to the narrative suggesting that Guerrero Jr. was aiming for a massive, Juan Soto-style contract similar to the $765 million, 15-year deal Soto signed with the New York Mets, Guerrero clarified that his proposal was for a considerably smaller amount. Guerrero, who turns 26 on March 16, stated that his original offer was well under $600 million. This disclosure comes after the slugger, who agreed to a one-year $28.5 million contract in January, confirmed that he ended any ongoing discussions about a long-term deal once he reported to spring training last month.
Guerrero said, “I asked for the same length as Soto, but we’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less.” He further detailed that his final offer, though initially higher, was scaled back both in terms of salary demands and the number of years. “I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years. I’m looking for 14 years,” Guerrero added. While he expressed that he would have been open to even longer terms, such as a 15 or 20-year contract, his priority was to ensure that any deal was done “the right way.”
Despite the ongoing uncertainty about his future, the Toronto Blue Jays remain eager to retain their star slugger. In February, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro assured the public that the club is committed to keeping the door open for future negotiations with Guerrero. “The door is open and always will be open,” Shapiro said, reaffirming the team’s interest in re-signing the young superstar. However, Shapiro also emphasized that the team’s primary focus remains on achieving a championship season, with Guerrero’s contract situation set aside for the time being.
Guerrero Jr. has undoubtedly established himself as one of the league’s top players, making his impending free agency a highly anticipated event. Last season, he posted an impressive .323 batting average with a .396 on-base percentage, .544 slugging percentage, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs over 159 games. Over the course
In 2021, Guerrero was a runner-up in the AL MVP voting after a remarkable season where he led the league in total bases (363), tied for the major league lead in home runs (48), and topped the American League in on-base percentage (.401) and slugging percentage (.601).
While rumors have recently linked Guerrero to teams like the Boston Red Sox amid speculation about his future, he made it clear that the reported $600 million contract demand was nothing more than a fabrication. As he approaches free agency after the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor his negotiations, but for now, Guerrero is focused on helping the Blue Jays contend for a title this season.
With his talent and proven track record, Guerrero’s next contract will likely be one of the most closely watched storylines in the MLB in the years to come. For now, however, he remains a key piece of Toronto’s lineup, and the Blue Jays continue to hope they can lock him up long-term before he hits the open market.
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