Blue Jays GM breaks silence on $550 Million extension rumors surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future in Toronto has become a topic of intense debate, especially following recent reports of a potential record-breaking contract extension. With Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins remaining optimistic about keeping the star player, Guerrero, one of MLB’s brightest talents, is set to enter free agency after the 2025 World Series.

After failing to secure a long-term extension this offseason, Guerrero is heading into the final year of his current contract, which will pay him $28.5 million this season. Following an outstanding performance that placed him among the top six in AL MVP voting, Guerrero was seeking an extension—one he told reporters Toronto never came close to offering.

With extension talks postponed before the start of spring training, Guerrero made it clear that he not only plans to test free agency but will also entertain offers from all 30 MLB teams.

On Wednesday, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported that Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays are “doing everything possible” to reach an extension agreement before Opening Day. This report generated a significant buzz, particularly due to the astronomical figure being discussed. “According to my sources, Toronto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are doing everything they can to reach an agreement before Opening Day,” Rodriguez wrote on X.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a two-RBI double against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on September 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

“They were in discussions today, and my source says they talked about more than $550 million over approximately 14 to 15 years.“ If accurate, this figure would set a new MLB record, surpassing any contract ever signed by a first baseman.

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MLB News: Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro breaks silence on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract deal

Blue Jays GM holds out hope for a deal

Shortly after this report, Blue Jays general manager Atkins confirmed that the team remains open to extending Guerrero. According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Atkins reiterated, in both English and Spanish, that he remains hopeful an agreement can be reached. “I was just talking to Tony on the way in and I said: yo tengo esperanza,” Atkins stated. “I have hope. That’s how I feel.” His cautious optimism suggests the Blue Jays have not ruled out the possibility of retaining their young star long-term.

Uncertainty surrounds Guerrero Jr.’s future in Toronto

With Opening Day fast approaching, negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays will remain a focal point. Whether an agreement is reached or he heads into free agency, one thing is certain—his future will shape the landscape of Major League Baseball in the coming years.