Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won’t be a free agent till the 2025-26 offseason. That has not stopped hypothesis about his future.
Guerrero had been the subject of trade rumors earlier than the July 30 deadline regardless of basic supervisor Ross Atkins adamantly denying he was accessible. Bob Nightengale of USA Today famous that the Blue Jays are hopeful {that a} long-term extension may be labored out. Beginning pitcher Chris Bassitt went so far as to say in an interview with Chris Rose that not solely does he really feel Guerrero needs to remain in Toronto for the remainder of his profession, however that an extension would come collectively.
The largest query with a potential extension is the associated fee. Guerrero is incomes $19.9M this season and has another yr of arbitration left. He has positioned himself for a large enhance in wage subsequent yr, as he had produced a .316/.389/.546 batting line in his 555 plate appearances getting into Saturday, hitting 26 homers and 33 doubles. Guerrero has even made eight appearances at third base, probably the most he has appeared on the scorching nook since his rookie season.
Nonetheless, as famous on the “Blair and Barker Show” on SportsNet, first basemen sometimes don’t get costlier contracts. Bryce Harper is the highest-paid first baseman, incomes roughly $27.5M per yr. Harper additionally signed that contract as an outfielder, moving to first base on account of an elbow damage and Rhys Hoskins being misplaced for the 2023 season. Freddie Freeman, who’s incomes $27M per yr by means of 2027, is the highest-paid participant who signed their contract as a primary baseman.
Jeff Blair additional famous that Guerrero is unlikely to obtain $30M a yr, both in an extension with the Blue Jays or in free company. His time at third base this season helps, as three third basemen — Anthony Rendon ($36M), Nolan Arenado ($35M) and Alex Bregman ($30.5M) — have all eclipsed that mark. As such, Tim Britton of The Athletic had projected a nine-year, $250M extension for Guerrero.
Some elements are working in Guerrero’s favor. He’ll flip simply 26-years-old in March, permitting the Blue Jays, or one other staff, to manage him throughout his hypothetical prime. His strikeout, stroll and hard-hit charges are all much better than common.
Nonetheless, Guerrero is a primary baseman — that alone could result in his receiving a relatively disappointing provide.
