Why the Blue Jays Can’t Wait to Extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Urgency to Extend Guerrero

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set to hit free agency after 2025, the Blue Jays are facing a critical decision. Both the team and Guerrero have expressed interest in a long-term deal, but if they don’t finalize an extension this winter, Guerrero could hit the open market, attracting offers from big-market teams. The time to lock in Guerrero is now, as waiting too long could lead to losing one of the franchise’s most important players.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Toronto’s Cornerstone

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a key figure for the Blue Jays since his MLB debut in 2019. With a career .287 batting average, 158 home runs, and 498 RBIs, Guerrero has consistently been one of the league’s top hitters. His 2021 season, where he nearly won the AL MVP, showcased his potential to be one of baseball’s brightest stars. Despite a down year in 2023, Guerrero has bounced back in the second half of 2024, displaying the power and consistency that makes him a top candidate for a long-term extension in Toronto.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Consistency: The Hurdle in Contract Talks

While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has shown flashes of MVP-caliber play, his inconsistency remains a concern. Following a stellar 2021, his production dipped in 2023, where he posted his lowest OPS since his rookie season. Guerrero’s power numbers took a hit, and his defense at first base also showed some regression. This inconsistency has been a key factor in delaying a potential long-term deal with the Blue Jays, who must weigh Guerrero’s incredible upside against these fluctuations in performance.

For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.

Position Matters: First Basemen Contracts

Historically, first basemen have not commanded the highest salaries compared to other positions like shortstop or center field. Players like Freddie Freeman and Paul Goldschmidt have earned high-value contracts, but they aren’t at the same level as top-tier players in more defensively valuable positions. This complicates Guerrero’s case for a massive contract. However, Pete Alonso’s upcoming free agency could set a new market for power-hitting first basemen, which could influence Guerrero’s negotiations with Toronto.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.

The Urgency to Extend Guerrero

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set to hit free agency after 2025, the Blue Jays are facing a critical decision. Both the team and Guerrero have expressed interest in a long-term deal, but if they don’t finalize an extension this winter, Guerrero could hit the open market, attracting offers from big-market teams. The time to lock in Guerrero is now, as waiting too long could lead to losing one of the franchise’s most important players.