Report: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays are still far from extension

Report: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays are still far from extension

While we are still one year away, looking ahead to the 2026 free agent class, it’s not great. Though two exceptional hitters will headline the class: New Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker and Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Except there’s a chance that Guerrero isn’t a free agent. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported last month that both sides were reportedly discussing a possible extension to keep the 25-year-old designated hitter up north long-term.

Now, according to a recent report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, there is a pretty clear discrepancy in negotiations with the dollar amount.

“Guerrero and the Blue Jays are at least $100 million apart, with Guerrero seeking at least $450 million,” Nightengale’s report read. “If Guerrero doesn’t receive an extension by spring training, he’ll test free agency. If Guerrero doesn’t return to the Blue Jays, he would love to be with the Red Sox, friends say, which may be why the Red Sox are hesitant in their pursuit of Bregman.”

The Don Trey Daubert already wrote about Guerrero’s potential interest in playing in Bean Town, which you can check out here!

As for talks about a potential extension, yesterday’s price isn’t today’s price. We just saw Juan Soto get rewarded with $765 million at 26-years-old, the richest contract in history. The market will only increase, so it’s perfectly understandable why Guerrero–one of the best young hitters in the sport–could command north of $400 million after two top-6 finishes in the AL MVP voting over the last four seasons.

There is a middle ground, but it would behoove Toronto to have their final number start with a four. Regardless of how many years he asks for, you can’t be willing to shell out a ton of money for Shohei Ohtani, Soto or Corbin Burnes and not low-ball your franchise player. That would be a horrendously bad look.

The franchise isn’t going in a great direction anyway, but it would be down in the abyss if he left for nothing next winter. Either pay up or trade him; those are your two options, Toronto. It should do the former if it wants to maintain its credibility, but let’s see if it pivots to the latter if an extension isn’t rewarded soon.

***

Click Here for more MLB Content

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Check out the Vendetta Shop

Check out Vendetta Fantasy Contests