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 out there. Bob Nightengale of USA Today famous that the Blue Jays are hopeful {that a} long-term extension will 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 desires to remain in Toronto for the remainder of his profession, however that an extension would come collectively.
The most important query with a doable extension is the fee. Guerrero is incomes $19.9M this season and has another 12 months of arbitration left. He has positioned himself for a large improve in wage subsequent 12 months, as he had produced a .316/.389/.546 batting line in his 555 plate appearances coming into Saturday, hitting 26 homers and 33 doubles. Guerrero has even made eight appearances at third base, essentially the most he has appeared on the scorching nook since his rookie season.
Nevertheless, as famous on the “Blair and Barker Show” on SportsNet, first basemen sometimes don’t get dearer contracts. Bryce Harper is the highest-paid first baseman, incomes roughly $27.5M per 12 months. Harper additionally signed that contract as an outfielder, moving to first base as a consequence of an elbow damage and Rhys Hoskins being misplaced for the 2023 season. Freddie Freeman, who’s incomes $27M per 12 months via 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 12 months, 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 group, to manage him throughout his hypothetical prime. His strikeout, stroll and hard-hit charges are all much better than common.
Nevertheless, Guerrero is a primary baseman — that alone might result in his receiving a relatively disappointing supply.
