Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Confirms Final Contract Offer Was Below $600 Million

Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has pulled back the curtain on his contract negotiations, revealing that his final proposal to the team was far less than Juan Soto’s massive deal with the New York Mets. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Guerrero is now facing a pivotal moment in his career—will he stay in Toronto, or will he hit the free-agent market looking for a record-breaking deal?

Guerrero, known for his powerful bat and ability to carry the team’s offense, spoke candidly in an interview with ESPN’s Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez. He made it clear that despite reports suggesting he wanted a contract similar to Soto’s staggering 15-year, $765 million deal, his actual request was much lower.

Guerrero’s Counteroffer: Lower Than Soto’s Deal, Same Number of Years

Guerrero, 25, was quick to dispel rumors about wanting a deal in the same ballpark as Soto’s. Instead, he confirmed that his representatives had offered Toronto a contract spanning 15 years but for significantly less money than $600 million.

“It’s nowhere near what Soto got. We’re talking about more than $100 million less,” Guerrero emphasized. “We proposed the same number of years, but the total value didn’t even get close to $600 million.”

He also explained that he had already adjusted his expectations in an effort to reach common ground with the Blue Jays. “I know how the business works,” he said. “I lowered my salary demands and also reduced the number of years. I’d be happy with 14, 15, even 20 years if we can make it work the right way.”

Source: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says final offer under $600M in Blue Jays talks

Why Negotiations Fell Apart

Despite both sides exchanging offers, talks between Guerrero’s agents and the Blue Jays’ front office ultimately stalled before the start of spring training. The deadline to finalize an extension came and went, leaving Guerrero to play out the final year of his contract without a long-term deal in place.

“There were meetings, and we exchanged numbers,” Guerrero explained. “Talks went on until the very last day before the deadline, but in the end, we just couldn’t come to an agreement.”

For Guerrero, however, the failed negotiations won’t be a distraction. “Just because we didn’t get a deal done doesn’t mean I’m going to change how I work,” he said. “I have to keep doing my job, staying focused on my game.”

Guerrero Shining in Spring Training Despite Contract Drama

While the uncertainty about his future looms, Guerrero hasn’t let it affect his play. He has been locked in during spring training, hitting an impressive .412 with a 1.121 OPS, one home run, and three RBIs over his first seven games.

His early-season form is a reminder of why the Blue Jays can’t afford to lose him. Ever since his breakout 2021 season—where he led the American League in home runs and finished second in MVP voting—Guerrero has been the backbone of Toronto’s offense. If he continues putting up MVP-level numbers, it’s only going to increase the urgency for the Blue Jays to secure him for the long term.

Will the Blue Jays Get a Deal Done

Now that Guerrero is entering the final year of his contract, the pressure is on the Blue Jays’ front office. If they don’t sign him soon, they risk either losing him to free agency or having to enter a bidding war with other teams. If Guerrero continues to dominate, he could easily command an even larger deal once he hits the open market.

That being said, the door isn’t fully closed on a potential extension. The Blue Jays may look to restart negotiations during the season, especially if Guerrero remains open to staying in Toronto long-term. However, if they wait too long, they may find themselves competing against teams willing to offer Guerrero the massive payday he deserves.

For now, Guerrero is keeping his focus on the season ahead. “My job is to play baseball,” he said. “Whatever happens with contracts, that’s up to my agents and the team. I just want to go out there and win.”

As the 2025 season unfolds, the biggest question remains—will Guerrero be the face of the Blue Jays for the next decade, or will another team step in with an offer too good to refuse?
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