Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a Toronto Blue Jay for 14 more seasons.
Although the 14-year, $500 million deal was reported in the wee hours of April 7 and made official by the team on April 9, the Blue Jays and Guerrero Jr. held the press conference on Monday as they returned to Toronto after a nine-game road trip.
Guerrero Jr. actually signed the contract during the press conference. He will start his 14-year, $500 million contract next season, which will end after the 2039 season, when he will be 40. Barring a Giancarlo Stanton-type trade, Guerrero Jr. will be a Blue Jay for life.
This is by far the largest contract ever given out by the Blue Jays, surpassing George Springer’s six-year, $150 million deal signed before the 2021 season. It also beats out José Berríos’ seven-year, $131 million deal and Kevin Gausman’s five-year, $110 million deal. All three of those players were signed after 2020, as the team has shown that they’re committed to winning.
And the Blue Jays will improve their chances of winning with Guerrero Jr.’s extension, as it will give them a superstar first baseman for nearly a decade and a half. Even the owner, Ed Rogers, noted that he believes the Jays will win a World Series while Guerrero Jr. is a Blue Jay.
The question is, which Blue Jay could be next up for an extension? Shortstop Bo Bichette is in a contract season, and he’s slashing .314/.364/.386 with no home runs in 77 plate appearances after an injury-riddled 2024 season. Another player who has been rumoured to eventually get an extension is centre fielder Daulton Varsho – he’s set to become a free agent after the 2026 season and hasn’t played in 2025.
Either way, Blue Jays fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the team has now signed their superstar to a lifetime contract.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.