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Report: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract demands with the Blue Jays were less than $600 million
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Mar 7, 2025, 13:30 ESTUpdated: Apr 1, 2025, 12:06 EDT
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Toronto Blue Jays fans have a little more clarity on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract demands.
On Thursday, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was interviewed by Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez and was quoted as saying that he asked for less than what Juan Soto got, even less than $600 million. However, the first baseman wanted 15 years as well. The translated version of the article can be found here.
It’s still unclear how much Guerrero Jr. asked for, but it’s worth noting that David Ortiz said that Guerrero Jr. deserves a 13-year, $585 million deal. Perhaps that’s what he was asking for before his Spring Training deadline.
Let’s be real, it’s tough to pin down Guerrero Jr.’s contract value. Last season, he slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs in 697 plate appearances for a 165 wRC+. However, he had a mediocre season (by his standard) in 2023, slashing .264/.345/.444 with 26 home runs in 682 plate appearances for a 118 wRC+.
Of his six seasons, he’s had two superstar seasons (2021, 2024), one good season (2022), and three mediocre seasons (2019, 2020, 2023). Add in the fact that Guerrero Jr. is a first baseman and no first baseman has signed for $240 million, and it’s hard to see Guerrero Jr. get nearly as much as he wants.
Still, the Blue Jays are kind of handcuffed. If both he and Bo Bichette leave after the end of the season it essentially dooms their contention window – or what’s left of it. On the flip side, if the Blue Jays need to sell at the trade deadline, they could set up their future pretty well.
It’s a make-or-break year for not just the Blue Jays, but also Guerrero Jr. If he has another season like he did in 2024, perhaps the Jays will be more inclined to agree to Guerrero Jr.’s demands. If Guerrero Jr. has another off-year, maybe he’ll drop his contract demands. Of course, the Jays will also have to compete with 29 other teams.
All in all, the 2025 season will be an interesting one to watch for the Blue Jays as there are many different paths it could take.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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