Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s new contract with the Blue Jays could pose problems for the Chicago Cubs

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a bold move, locking up their star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for at least 14 years. In a deal reminiscent of the one that brought Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the Blue Jays secured Guerrero Jr. with a massive $500 million contract. This landmark deal could complicate matters for other teams, including the Chicago Cubs.

As the second player to land such a deal, alongside Soto, Guerrero’s contract raises concerns across the league. With the biggest franchises leading the charge to pay top dollar for elite talent, Toronto has now joined that exclusive club.

Before the season began, Guerrero Jr. had hinted at leaving the Blue Jays after the 2025 MLB season. Since then, reports have indicated that Toronto and Guerrero have been in talks, working towards an agreement that would satisfy both sides. Now that the deal is finalized, it may set a precedent that could have ripple effects across the league, potentially influencing negotiations with other top players in the upcoming seasons.

This is where the Chicago Cubs come into play. While the Cubs haven’t been directly linked to Guerrero Jr.’s situation, the massive contract could impact their own roster. The deal might serve as leverage for Kyle Tucker, one of the Cubs’ key stars, to explore options if the team doesn’t offer a competitive contract extension ahead of next season.

Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park on February 17, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona.

Why the Cubs could lose Tucker for next season

As the MLB offseason unfolded, much of the focus was on the potential contract extensions for star players. Among them, Tucker was one of the top targets for teams in the most recent trade window. Now, the Cubs find themselves in a tight spot when it comes to the 28-year-old right fielder.

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If the Cubs want Tucker to suit up for them next season, they’ll need to prepare a competitive offer. Drawing from the examples of Soto and Guerrero Jr., Tucker is likely to seek a lucrative, long-term deal. If the Cubs fail to meet those expectations, other teams with deeper pockets may swoop in, forcing the Cubs to reconsider their financial strategy.

As we’ve seen with recent moves by teams like the Mets and Blue Jays, star players are increasingly drawn to the bigger-market franchises that can offer them the kind of contracts that strengthen their rosters and boost their chances of contention.

Bo Bichette’s future with the Blue Jays still uncertain

The recent contract extension of Guerrero Jr. with the Blue Jays has sparked speculation about the future of another Canadian star on the roster: Bo Bichette. The talented shortstop is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, leaving fans wondering if the Blue Jays will extend him or let him walk.

Reports suggest that Bichette is currently slated to become a free agent at the end of this season, and the Blue Jays have not yet offered him an extension. However, with Guerrero Jr.’s deal now in place, there is speculation that Toronto may reconsider their stance and pursue contracts for both Canadian stars ahead of the 2026 season.