Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Stays in Toronto: A Historic $500 Million Deal
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has reached an agreement on a massive 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, pending a physical, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Sunday night. This groundbreaking deal ensures the homegrown talent will remain in Toronto for his entire career. The agreement comes as the 5-5 Blue Jays continue their road trip, heading to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
Guerrero, now 26, is a four-time All-Star and the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero. Earlier, he stated he wouldn’t negotiate during the season after failing to reach an agreement before spring training. However, talks resumed, culminating in a deal that ranks as the third-largest in MLB history. It’s only surpassed by Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets and Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers. For the Blue Jays, securing Guerrero is a victory after losing out to Soto and Ohtani in recent years. Toronto had been pursuing a long-term contract with Guerrero for years, recognizing his potential since his debut at 20 in 2019, where he hit 15 home runs as a rookie. His standout season was 2021, finishing as the runner-up for the American League MVP to Ohtani, boasting a .311/.401/.601 line, with 48 home runs and 111 RBIs.
After two seasons of solid performances below expectations in 2022 and 2023, Guerrero bounced back mid-2024 with stats reminiscent of his 2021 form—hitting .343/.407/.604, blasting 26 home runs with 84 RBIs over his last 116 games. With a projected payroll surpassing the $241 million luxury tax threshold, the Blue Jays ended the first week of the season leading the American League East. A loss to the Mets on Friday brought their record to 5-3, with Guerrero’s season stats at .267/.343/.367.
With Bo Bichette’s free agency looming after the 2025 season, the Blue Jays faced significant decision points. Though Bichette is likely to explore free agency, Guerrero’s contract eases the disappointment of missing out on top talent like Ohtani and Soto. Toronto revamped its lineup despite setbacks, adding players like outfielder Anthony Santander on a deferred five-year deal worth $92.5 million, signing Max Scherzer for a year at $15.5 million, strengthening their bullpen with right-handers Jeff Hoffman and Yimi Garcia, and acquiring Andres Gimenez, a Platinum Glove-winning second baseman.
The Blue Jays’ long-term strategic investments offer substantial financial flexibility. Besides Bichette and Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and relievers Chad Green and Erik Swanson are free agents post-season, and after 2026, high-cost contracts for outfielder George Springer and right-hander Kevin Gausman will end. Building around Guerrero is clear-cut, especially as one of just a dozen MLB players with multiple seasons achieving a six or more WAR since 2021. Guerrero frequently dominates charts for hardest-hit balls—a skill strongly linked to high performance. Like his Hall of Fame father, Guerrero Jr. has exceptional batting ability, combining this with immense power.
Throughout his six MLB seasons, Guerrero has maintained notable stats of .288/.363/.499, amassed 160 home runs, and tallied 510 RBIs, with a balance of 559 strikeouts against 353 walks. Initially playing as a third baseman, Guerrero transitioned to first base during the abbreviated 2020 season. If the Blue Jays had acquired Pete Alonso, a move back to third might have been considered, as Guerrero appeared there a dozen times last season. However, with this new extension, the 6-foot-2, 245-pound power hitter is set to stay put at first base, setting a new benchmark in the market, previously led by Miguel Cabrera’s 2014 eight-year, $248 million deal just before his 31st birthday.