Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reveals Contract Talks With Blue Jays Break Down

TORONTO, Canada — Veteran first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. disclosed that he halted contract extension negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays on February 22, revealing the offer was significantly lower than expected. The All-Star indicated that initial discussions around his potential deal, aimed at securing his future with the team, fell short of the $600 million mark sought by his representatives.

Guerrero, 25, clarified during an interview with ESPN that his requests were much lower than the 15-year, $765 million contract awarded to fellow All-Star Juan Soto by the New York Mets last offseason. “It’s much less than Soto,” Guerrero stated. “We’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn’t reach 600.”

In an effort to finalize a deal before the start of spring training, Guerrero acknowledged that he modified both his salary demands and the duration of the contract he was seeking. He expressed interest in a contract spanning 14 to 20 years to ensure he remains a Blue Jay for life. “I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me,” he mentioned.

The breakdown in talks means Guerrero is poised to enter free agency following the 2025 season. “They have their numbers; I have my numbers,” he commented, signifying the lack of alignment between the player’s expectations and the organization’s willingness to meet them. “But you know, it’s just business. Things happen. The front office and my agents met. Both parts tried, but obviously we couldn’t get an agreement.”

Despite the unsuccessful negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, which is the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays. “Just because we couldn’t reach an agreement, I’m not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working,” he reiterated.

Guerrero is currently enjoying a strong spring training, batting .412 with a 1.121 OPS, one home run, and three RBIs over seven games. Coming off a season where he hit a career-high .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, Guerrero is eager to build on that success.

The Blue Jays are set to face the New York Yankees at 6:35 p.m. EST on Friday in Tampa, Florida. As the season unfolds, Guerrero’s contract situation will remain a focal point, particularly as he heads into one of the most lucrative free-agency periods in baseball history.