Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a year away from free agency, but Ross Atkins and the team’s front office are trying to get ahead of the situation by pursuing a contract extension with their homegrown star. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, negotiations are ongoing, but there’s still a significant gap, with Guerrero Jr. and the team reportedly about $100 million apart.
Nightengale notes that the Blue Jays have offered $350 million, while Guerrero Jr.’s camp is seeking $450 million. If Guerrero Jr. continues to perform at the same elite level as last season — and there’s little reason to believe he won’t — his price could rise even further.
This puts Toronto in a risky position, as waiting could lead to even higher demands. For context, Juan Soto recently signed a $765 million deal, raising questions about how high Guerrero Jr.’s market value might climb by next winter.
Nightengale also reports that those close to Guerrero Jr. suggest he would be open to signing with the Boston Red Sox in free agency. While the possibility of losing their star player to a fierce division rival should be a nightmare for Atkins and the Blue Jays, it’s also possible this is a negotiating tactic designed to increase pressure in the ongoing talks.
Do Red Sox fans want to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for THAT much money?
If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were to sign with the Boston Red Sox, it would undoubtedly energize much of the fanbase, though not everyone would be on board. Boston sports personality Jarred Carrabis weighed in on the possibility:
“Yeah, so the Blue Jays have thrown 350 at him and he wants 450, and even at that, like, it’s like, do I want Vladdy on the team? Yes. Do I love Vladdy? Absolutely. Is it my money? No,” Carrabis said. “That’s a [expletive] high number.”
While Carrabis acknowledges it’s not his money, the hefty price tag might leave some Red Sox fans—and the team’s ownership—questioning the move. Fans have been urging Craig Breslow and the Red Sox to invest in improving the roster over the past few years. Now that there’s potential evidence of willingness to spend, are there second thoughts?
Pairing Guerrero Jr. with Rafael Devers, both locked into long-term deals, would give the Red Sox a dynamic core to build around. At just 26 years old, Guerrero Jr. would complement the 28-year-old Devers for years to come. While it’s unlikely Boston will seriously contend for Guerrero Jr., especially if Toronto steps up to keep him, they should absolutely make a move if the resources are there.
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