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Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is facing the biggest season of his career
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Photo credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Prasad
Mar 27, 2025, 08:30 EDTUpdated: Mar 27, 2025, 07:23 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays open their season on Thursday with much anticipation but few expectations. The club goes into 2025 with some new additions and still some areas of concern. Vladimir Guerrero Jr is a long-term area of concern, as he’s entering arguably the biggest season of his career. 
Guerrero Jr is the name you think of when you hear “Blue Jays”. He’s one of the top 20 most sold jerseys in the league and is the most sold Blue Jays jersey. So far, the club has not met his expectations to keep him in the blues and whites. 
The word around the industry is that Guerrero Jr was offered upwards of $600 million for an approximate 14-15 years. As more reports unravelled, it is believed that he was offered at the $500 million range for the same length of service, but a deferred amount that lowered to about $400-450 million at the present day value.
Whether this is true or not, we know that we don’t have a signature on a contract extension from the All-Star first baseman. We also know that he’s willing to meet with all 30 teams, including division rivals, the New York Yankees, if he hits free agency next winter.
2025 is a delicate season for Vladdy, as he’ll have the chance to showcase once again why Toronto, amongst other clubs, should invest heavily in his long-term services. What would help his campaign?

The bat of Guerrero is his number one offering

The Toronto first baseman pounded the iron this offseason, showing up with a body transformation meant for business. He surely did not bring a knife to a gunfight; he brought army tanks. Guerrero Jr’s physicality shows that he is dressed for the occasion and ready to campaign for a significant contract. 
His biggest campaign will start in the batter’s box. Teams want the first baseman to rake with the stick, not to disappoint and fold offensively. His first half of 2024 was more on the fold side. His second half was a complete turnaround, where he posted video game-like numbers down the stretch. 
Guerrero Jr finished with a .323/.396/.544 slash line, collecting 199 hits, 45 extra-base hits, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs. If our conversation regarding contract value depended on offence (which it will), let’s compare Juan Soto’s numbers. 
Guerrero recorded the above numbers on 616 at-bats. Soto, on 576 at-bats (difference of 40 at-bats), recorded 166 hits, 35 extra-base hits, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs. Soto walked 129 times, struck out 119 times. Guerrero Jr walked 72 times, striking out 96 times. Soto naturally will walk more, both intentionally and being pitched around. He’s transitioned to a league-led 128 runs scored versus Guerrero Jr’s 98. 
Vladdy will need to produce more with the long-ball, walks, and runs scored. Other than that,  the statistics are not far off. The concern is more with consistency, as Guerrero has sandwiched two ‘alright’ campaigns between a monster 2021 and 2024 outputs. 

Guerrero’s ability to play the field will add to the value 

Guerrero Jr’s defense is not a concern, despite the league-leading 10 errors at first base last season. He still maintained a .990 fielding percentage of a .993 league fielding percentage. The Jays one-bagger recorded 873 put-outs of 953 attempts. 
His defence at first base was appealing to the eyes and acted as obviation to other defensive lapses. His performance looked better than the numbers show. Guerrero also spent 29 games as a designated hitter, which he has admitted he does not enjoy, and 12 games as a third baseman. At the hot corner, Guerrero recorded a .941 fielding percentage, comparable to the collective .961 league fielding percentage across the league. 
If Guerrero can show confidence at third base as much as he does at first, he will increase his stock this season.

Achievement will be considered at the negotiation table 

Guerrero has been an All-Star four times in the past four seasons. He will continue to do so if he continues to produce and lead this team. A 2025 All-Star selection will benefit him when he heads back to the negotiation table, regardless of whatever team is on the other side.
Furthermore, overall club success is a bonus. This is out of the hands of a sole player, but a successful year from Guerrero Jr that leads to a pennant or a playoff berth can add substance to his contract value, especially since he will be a driving offensive force for this roster. An overall productive player who’s able to lead a team to a postseason run is a very valuable acquisition. 
Overall, the first baseman’s goal is a World Series. These factors will play a part in the contract situation but could also play a part before the trade deadline, where teams may be interested in employing his services for their run depending on how the Jays’ season unfolds.

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