Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., agree to 14-year, $500M US extension: reports

The Toronto Blue Jays and star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have reportedly reached a historic agreement on a 14-year, $500 million contract extension that is set to begin in 2026. This groundbreaking deal, which is pending a physical examination, has been widely covered by reputable sources such as Sportsnet, ESPN, The Associated Press, and The Athletic. While CBC Sports has not yet independently confirmed these reports, the baseball world is abuzz with excitement over this monumental development.

At just 26 years old, Guerrero is currently in the final year of his existing contract and is considered the face of the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s sole Major League Baseball franchise. The team has not officially confirmed the details of the agreement, but according to the reports, Guerrero’s new contract does not involve any deferred payments. This extension comes on the heels of Guerrero’s recent $28.5 million, one-year contract that he signed in January to avoid arbitration.

The magnitude of Guerrero’s new deal makes it the third-largest in total value in MLB history, trailing only Juan Soto’s $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets and Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With an average annual value of $35.71 million, Guerrero’s contract ranks among the top ten highest in the league, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s premier players.

This record-breaking extension represents a significant milestone for Guerrero, who has spent his entire professional career with the Blue Jays since being signed by former general manager Alex Anthopoulos as a 16-year-old prospect in 2015. The Montreal native, who hails from the Dominican Republic, made his debut with the team in 2019 and has since established himself as a cornerstone of the lineup.

Guerrero’s exceptional performance in recent seasons, including a standout year in 2021 where he finished second in the AL MVP race, has cemented his reputation as a formidable force on the field. Despite facing some challenges with his offensive numbers in subsequent seasons, Guerrero bounced back in 2023 with impressive statistics, further solidifying his place among the league’s elite players.

The extension of Guerrero’s contract is a significant triumph for the Blue Jays’ front office, particularly after facing criticism for their offseason moves. While the team fell short in their pursuit of marquee free agents, securing Guerrero’s long-term commitment is a major win for the organization and its loyal fan base. As the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, the younger Guerrero’s legacy in Toronto is poised to continue for years to come.

In conclusion, the Blue Jays’ agreement with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. represents a watershed moment in the team’s history and underscores the organization’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. With Guerrero’s talent and leadership anchoring the lineup for the foreseeable future, the Blue Jays are well-positioned to compete at the highest level in the years to come.