Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not reach a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays before his self-imposed deadline, setting the stage for him to enter free agency after the 2025 season. Despite coming off a strong 2024 campaign, Guerrero told ESPN’s Jeff Passan that Toronto’s offer was nowhere near his asking price.
Guerrero, who finished sixth in AL MVP voting, drove in 103 runs and posted a 166 OPS+, ranking fifth in baseball. At just 25 years old, he will hit free agency at the same age as Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets this offseason.
While Guerrero isn’t on Soto’s level, some believe he could land one of the biggest contracts in MLB history. New York Post insider Jon Heyman recently suggested on a Bleacher Report stream that Guerrero’s next deal could surpass $600 million.
“At this point with Soto at $765 million, I think it’s probably gonna have to be in the sixes to sign [Guerrero],” Heyman said. “I think probably $600 million, plus.”
So, which teams are the favorites to land him? According to Heyman, the top three contenders are the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox.
“My guesses would be Red Sox,” Heyman said. “I don’t know what their thoughts are on [Triston] Casas… He was out there on the trade market, so that’s no impediment to signing Vlad Guerrero Jr. Mets, I know they say they’re gonna be more cautious spending… The Jays, I think he likes the Jays… To me, those are the three teams.”
The Mets have publicly stated they intend to be more conservative with spending, and the Blue Jays have already balked at Guerrero’s price tag. This could leave the Red Sox with a prime opportunity to sign him—if they’re willing to make a massive financial commitment.
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