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 commerce rumors earlier than the July 30 deadline regardless of common supervisor Ross Atkins adamantly denying he was accessible. Bob Nightengale of USA At the moment famous that the Blue Jays are hopeful {that a} long-term extension could 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 most important query with a doable extension is the price. Guerrero is incomes $19.9M this season and has yet 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 coming 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 Present” on SportsNet, first basemen usually don’t get dearer contracts. Bryce Harper is the highest-paid first baseman, incomes roughly $27.5M per yr. Harper additionally signed that contract as an outfielder, shifting to first base attributable to an elbow harm and Rhys Hoskins being misplaced for the 2023 season. Freddie Freeman, who’s incomes $27M per yr by way 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 crew, to regulate 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.
