Just because the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and New York Yankees are monopolizing the massive signings within the MLB offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays appear to be one of many large losers. They fought laborious for Juan Soto, however in the long run their market was not in a position to compete with any of the New York groups they usually ended up falling behind
However that was not all, as they might lose the nice determine they already had on the roster, none apart from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s on the lookout for an extension and has simply rejected a nine-figure provide, making an attempt to experience the contractual wave brought on by Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto himself
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. speaks to MARCA after making ‘MLB: The Present 24’ cowl
In line with Mike Rodriguez, Toronto put a suggestion on the desk for Vladi for $340 million and the Dominican-Canadian ballplayer mentioned “no”, searching for more cash to get nearer to the $765 million that Juan Soto signed with the Mets, to ascertain a brand new financial excessive
The truth is, plainly Guerrero Jr. wished to play his playing cards proper, speculating on the determine that Soto would obtain, the transfer was very good: the Blue Jays made their provide earlier than Soto made his closing determination, Vladimir waited and as soon as he had the determine of his compatriot’s contract, merely mentioned “no”, realizing that his worth would additionally improve.
Toronto’s administration on alert
The ball is now within the courtroom of the Canadian group’s administration and the choice they make won’t be a straightforward one, as a result of Guerrero aspires to a contract much like these of Soto or Ohtani, he has the expertise to ask for it, however Toronto wouldn’t need to pay a lot and, in the event that they lose him, they’re left with out their predominant bat
At 25 years outdated, Guerrero has 12 months after 12 months confirmed to be one of the crucial constant hitters in the entire majors, and he needs a contract that matches that expertise
If Toronto decides to not prolong him, they might maybe commerce him, and retaining the participant with out an extension in place would depart Vladi free to barter his deal, with out benefiting Toronto. In different phrases, letting the commerce deadline move would imply much less profit for the membership as a result of he might find yourself taking part in all 12 months in Canada and go away as an unrestricted free agent if there isn’t a commerce and get nothing in return
On this plan, the most effective factor for Toronto can be to signal their participant, who’s within the prime of his profession, with a 2024 season through which he hit 30 residence runs and 103 RBIs and set a private finest in batting common with .323 in 2024
If Vladi does hit free company, Spotrac already initiatives that he may very well be in line for a 12-year, $462 million contract, excess of the Blue Jays provide. With that expertise, he would absolutely have a number of affords of this caliber. A commerce, nonetheless, would not less than enable them to start a much-needed rebuild.
