Here's everything Ross Atkins had to say today about extension talks with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Ross Atkins: “We’ve worked hard on keeping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. here for a long time”
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2025, 18:30 ESTUpdated: Feb 13, 2025, 18:29 EST
On Thursday afternoon, Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins spoke to the media.
The most pressing issue regarding the Blue Jays is superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract extension. Guerrero Jr. himself set a deadline of Feb. 18, the start of Spring Training, as the final day the two parties can discuss an extension.
As per usual, Atkins answered the questions in vaguely. When asked about how the talks are going, Atkins said:
We’ve worked extremely hard on keeping [Guerrero Jr.] here for a long time. The desire is strong and we will continue to do that.
Atkins also noted that “getting into the weeds of the negotiations” would decrease the likelihood of Guerrero Jr. signing long-term. That’s potentially why he answered the question indirectly. Regarding Guerrero Jr.’s deadline, Atkins said:
We will be very respectful of [Guerrero Jr.] and his desire [to have a deadline]. We understand and respect it, but we will never close the door.
Lastly, Atkins was asked whether Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani’s signings have impacted negotiations on Guerrero Jr.’s market. In so many words, the Blue Jays general manager said that it does impact it but they need to stay disciplined. Thanks to The Score’s Brandon Wile for transcribing the press conference.
Simply put, the Blue Jays have to extend Guerrero Jr. Last season, the 25-year-old slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs in 697 plate appearances for a 165 wRC+ and a 5.5 fWAR. It was his best season since his MVP-calibre 2021. The 2025 season is his final under team control.
The Blue Jays have aspirations of contending in 2025 and have done a solid job of rebuilding the team. First off, they improved the bullpen with the additions of Yimi García, Jeff Hoffman, and Nick Sandlin. They’ve also added a power-hitter in Anthony Santander, with the switch hitter hitting 44 home runs in 2024, third-most in Major League baseball. They’ve also improved their defence by trading for Andrés Giménez while also adding Max Scherzer to their rotation.
All in all, it’s been a good off-season, and will be even better if they extend Guerrero Jr.
Other notes…
Unpromoted, Atkins brought up Alan Roden, rather unusual for the Blue Jays’ general manager. Our very own Thomas Hall wrote about that earlier on Thursday, but Roden deserves all the praise in the world after slashing .293/.391/.475 with 16 home runs in 530 plate appearances last season between Double-A and Triple-A.
Here’s a surprising quote from Ross Atkins on which #BlueJays prospect he was excited to see: “I’ll single out and put some pressure on Alan Roden. He’s done so much to put himself in a position to move through the system quickly…” Very rare for Atkins to single anyone out.
According to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, Atkins also brought up Daulton Varsho’s name when discussing extensions. Varsho will earn $8.2 million this season and has his fourth and final season of arbitration heading into the 2026 season. Unless he’s extended, Varsho will become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Another small thing: Ross Atkins added in Daulton Varsho's name (unprompted) alongside Vladdy and Bo when broadly discussing how the #BlueJays approach extension talks. He said they "...are very exciting players who we would like to keep here for an extended period of time.”
Atkins also noted that if there are any further additions (which there should be), that’ll come via trades. As Matheson points out, the Blue Jays have a ton of MLB-ready infielders who could be moved. They really need another power bat.
Ross Atkins said again today that any further additions are likelier to come via trade. The #BlueJays still have an excess of MLB-ready infielders. While their farm system isn't strong right now, that shouldn't be too prohibitive. One more bat would really complete this lineup.
This season has an air of excitement that last season was missing. If the Blue Jays can extend Guerrero Jr., the team had an A+ off-season by my count.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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