Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the team were unable to finalize a long-term contract extension by the self-imposed Monday deadline. The 25-year-old slugger had stated his intention to cease negotiations once the season commenced.
Guerrero clarified on Tuesday that the impasse wasn't due to a lack of effort from either side. "Over the past few days, the front office, my legal team, and my agents have been in discussions. Both parties made a concerted effort, but unfortunately, we couldn't bridge the gap," Guerrero explained through an interpreter during spring training. He added, "We never reached a point where I felt comfortable committing to a deal."
Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins expressed the team's continued interest in retaining Guerrero. "We invested significant time and resources into these negotiations, and our commitment to bringing him back remains strong," Atkins affirmed. "I'm certain that we presented every conceivable option and financial offer. Naturally, we're disappointed that a deal wasn't reached, but it doesn't diminish our resolve."
Guerrero is coming off an impressive 2024 season, boasting a .323 batting average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs across 159 games. This performance positions him as a highly sought-after free agent if he replicates these numbers in the upcoming season.
Should the Blue Jays falter early in the season, trading Guerrero before the deadline could become a viable option to avoid losing him without compensation during free agency. Given his age and consistent performance, Guerrero is expected to command a substantial contract in the open market.
