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Report: The Blue Jays will see what happens in free agency before dealing with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extension
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Photo credit: © Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
Ryley Delaney
Nov 29, 2024, 14:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 29, 2024, 14:03 EST
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When are the Toronto Blue Jays going to get a deal done for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?
Appearing on the JD Bunkis Podcast on Friday morning, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported that at the moment, an extension of Guerrero Jr. doesn’t look likely, but it’s something that can done “if they need to hit the accelerator in February”. You can find this section of the conversation starting around the 19:00 minute mark.
In the same interview, Nicholson-Smith had this to say:
“I think it’s gone from ‘hey, are the Jays going to choose to extend [Guerrero Jr.] to ‘is [Guerrero Jr.] going to choose the Jays”
That obviously doesn’t inspire hope for Blue Jay fans, as Guerrero Jr. has said numerous times that he’d like to sign a long-term extension, but inconsistent play has made it hard to gauge his next contract’s value. With that being said, it’s no excuse, as he’s been marketed as the Blue Jays’ franchise player since the Jays signed him.
If the Blue Jays fail to make the postseason in 2025 and Guerrero Jr. walks, that’s seven years of Guerrero Jr. wasted and a dark future ahead, as the Jays have one of the weaker farm systems in the league with only a handful of players under a contract after the 2026 season.
Furthermore, if the Blue Jays are serious about contending in 2025, how do they market themselves without Guerrero Jr. signed long-term? Any free agent who signs with the Blue Jays this off-season understands the risk of not being able to play with Guerrero Jr. (and/or Bo Bichette) for the 2026 season and beyond.
The Blue Jays have to get this extension done for various reasons, especially considering he deserves it. Last season, Guerrero Jr. slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs in 697 plate appearances, giving him a 165 wRC+ and a 5.5 fWAR, his best season since the 2021 season.
Get it done, Blue Jays.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.

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