Star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays did not reach an agreement on a contract extension before his Monday-night deadline.
Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fail to agree to an extension
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Feb 18, 2025, 09:18 EST
The Toronto Blue Jays front office had one job.
On Tuesday morning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. appeared in front of the media for a press conference, a press conference he was scheduled to have whether he signed an extension or not. Unfortunately for Blue Jays fans, he was not extended.
It seems like the Blue Jays front office wouldn’t go up to what Guerrero Jr. wanted, as the two sides were “not close” according to the superstar first baseman during his press conference. Moreover, Guerrero Jr. will not negotiate during the season and will hit the open market after the season is over.
In the same press conference, Guerrero Jr. noted that he wouldn’t close the door if what the Blue Jays offered him next was a realistic option. Whether that means a realistic offer in the coming weeks or after the season ends is yet to be determined. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins doesn’t believe the door is shut.
“I won’t close the door, if it’s a realistic offer.” Guerrero Jr. on what if the front office comes back with another number. #BlueJays
The good news? Well, Guerrero Jr. reiterated that he wants to stay in Toronto and that there are no hard feelings. However, he also stated he wants to win a World Series, something that may prove to be difficult in 2025 with a stacked American League East.
"I wanna be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career, but it's free agency, it's business, I'm going to have to listen to 29 more teams..." Vladdy on his future with the Blue Jays.
Back in late December, Guerrero Jr. appeared on Abriendo Sports for an interview in which he stated that he was willing to negotiate a deal until the first day of Spring Training, which happens to be today. At the time, they weren’t close to what he wanted and it seems as if they still aren’t.
¡DISPONIBLE YAAAA! 🔥🚨 Todos para YouTube ▶️ Conversación MILLONARIA con nuestro gran Vladdy Jr. 💪🏽🇩🇴 Entrevista COMPLETA 📢 cutt.ly/PeNLcMdH
Last season, their superstar baseman slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs in 697 plate appearances for a 165 wRC+ and a 5.5 fWAR. It was a similar season to his MVP-calibre year in 2021 when he slashed .311/.401/.601 with 48 home runs in 698 plate appearances for a 166 wRC+ and a 6.3 fWAR.
At this point, us Blue Jays fans have to hope that Guerrero Jr. wishes to play for the Blue Jays in 2026 and beyond. However, things will be complicated when 29 other teams bid for his services.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
Presented by Betway
Breaking News
- Heartbreak strikes twice as Blue Jays’ magical season ends
- Bo Bichette discusses future with the Blue Jays: ‘I’ve said I want to be here from the beginning’
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto wins the 2025 World Series MVP
- Instant Reaction: Blue Jays fall to Dodgers in Game 7
- Blue Jays: Ernie Clement sets postseason record with 30th hit