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Vladimir Guerrero Jr's camp looks like they are starting to realize they made a big mistake
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr is taking the biggest gamble in his professional life as he is willing to bet on himself this year after passing on the Blue Jays latest offer.
Just a short time ago, Blue Jays nation learned that Guerrero Jr and the Blue Jays were $50 million apart overall on a contract extension Which led to an impasse in a deal and closed the door on a potential negotiated imposed by Guerrero junior himself.
Guerrero Jr banking on other clubs willing to pay his demands
It's becoming clear that Guerrero junior is banking on other teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers who would be willing to pay his $500 million in non-deferred money.
"There's no excuse for this deal to not get done... If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gets to free agency he's going to get more money than he was willing to take from Toronto now."
The caveat to his theory and hope is that many teams including the ones above are likely to look at his performance in past seasons and this season to determine whether he is worth the money that he is asking.
Teams like the Yankees, Phillies, Angels, Nationals, Giants, and maybe the Red Sox, joining the Blue Jays in the bidding, but I have a hard time extending the list beyond that, barring a surprise of course. Chris Hendersen
Report: Blue Jays set to offer a 14-15 year deal worth $550 to $600 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
List of teams will only be so long for Guererro Jr's asking price
Teams have their expectations on what they'd be willing to pay for considering the numbers that players bring in in terms of statistics and fans who are willing to watch them play.
Last season he was one of the best hitters in the game when he slashed .323/.396/.554 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI, good for 6.2 bWAR. If he can provide that kind of on-field value again in 2025, then $500 million could be well within his grasp. - Chris Hendersen
In the first few months of the season, it will become clear on how this whole situation will play out. If Guerrero Jr has a great start to his year and produces the numbers but he thinks he can call, then his number will only go up and will price out the Blue Jays sooner rather than later.
If he doesn't have a good start and has a mediocre to good season where his stats line is more like his middle two seasons in 2023 and 24.
His asking price will likely appear too high to many teams and would bring him more in line with what the Blue Jays would be willing to pay him and could still strike a deal before free agency.
Betting on oneself can always workout well but sometimes it can blow up in their face especially if they have a poor season or a season ending injury that derails their next deal.
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 1291 ANSWERS Vladimir Guerrero Jr's camp looks like they are starting to realize they made a big mistake Do you think the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr will sign a deal before Opening Day? | ||
| Yes | 453 | 35.1 % |
| No | 838 | 64.9 % |
| List of polls | ||