Well, it finally happened, the Blue Jays have signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year $500 million extension. The deal is the largest contract in franchise history, and the third largest contract in MLB history. While it may seem like a lot of money, this was a deal that the Jays absolutely had to do, as they could not afford to have him reach free agency and possibly sign with another team.
Guerrero has been in the organization since 2015 when he was drafted as an international free agent. He would develop in the minors and become the top prospect in baseball before he made hismuch anticipated major league debut in 2019. Since then, he’s been one of the Jays best players. He had made 4 All-Star Games, won 2 Silver Sluggers, 1 Gold Glove, and finished runner-up in AL MVP voting back in 2021. He has been the face the team and seeing him leave would have not only been heartbreaking for fans, but a devastating loss for the organization.
Vladdy had made it known that he loves playing in Toronto and wanted to be a Blue Jay for his entire career. That was part of why when the Jays and Vladdy failed to agree on a contract prior to the start of Spring Training when Vladdy imposed a deadline for extension talks, it felt like a massive gut punch and failure by the front office. However, now, two months later, fans can celebrate that their superstar is here to stay.
Over a full 162 game season, Guerrero averages .288/.363/.860 with 31 homeruns and 100 RBI. That type of production doesn’t grow on trees, and it’s even more impressive when it’s by a player who you could argue, hasn’t reached his prime yet. Vladdy is only 26 years old, so it is very likely that he will continue to get better and could put up even stronger numbers as he gets older. His young age, along with his extraordinary talents, is what makes him worth $500 million. He is a player you can build around, and having him for the over the next decade, gives the Jays a clear foundation to add on to.
One of the biggest elements that the extension signifies, is that Rogers – who owns the Blue Jays – is committed to winning. The fear was that if Guerrero left, the Jays would be forced to rebuild which could last multiple years. Now, with him signed for the rest of his career, it not only gives fans comfort in knowing that their superstar is here to stay, but it also sures up the fact that this ownership is willing to spend an insane amount of money to make the team better. Teams don’t give out these kinds of contracts if they don’t intend to continue adding each year and try to build a World Series contender. This can also help sign future free agents because they will see that there is a plan for this team and the Jays are doing whatever they can to win.
This signing is undoubtably the biggest in franchise history, and getting it done is not just a relief for fans, but for Vladdy as well. “If I tell you that it’s not a big relief, I’d be lying to you. It is,” Guerrero said through a club interpreter. “It’s always been my goal to be here, and I feel like I accomplished that. I am very, very happy to stay here and be a Blue Jay.” His love for the city, incredible talent, infectious personality, and being born in Montreal, is what has endeared him to the fans over the years. Blue Jays fans have a superstar that they can call their own, who is not going to leave, and now, hope to see him bring a championship back to Toronto.