Vladimir Guerrero Jr., first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, revealed that his latest contract extension proposal was significantly lower than Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the New York Mets, failing to reach $600 million. Negotiations for an extension before spring training were unsuccessful, leading Guerrero to enter free agency in November. In an interview, he confirmed his counteroffer was over $100 million less than Soto’s and expressed interest in a long-term deal of 14 to 20 years. Despite the failed negotiations, Guerrero is focused on the upcoming season and performing well, boasting a .412 batting average in spring training.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has revealed that the recent contract extension offer made by his representatives to the team was significantly below Juan Soto’s agreement with the New York Mets, coming in under $600 million.
Efforts to finalize a contract extension between Guerrero and the Blue Jays prior to the start of spring training were unsuccessful, which means the 25-year-old is poised to enter free agency in November.
In a discussion with ESPN’s Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero provided insights into the negotiation process, dismissing assertions that his salary expectations were akin to the Mets’ 15-year, $765 million deal with Soto from the offseason.
“It’s significantly less than what Soto received. We’re discussing many fewer millions than Soto—over a hundred million less. … It matched the number of years [of Soto’s contract], but it didn’t approach [$600 million]. The final counteroffer we presented didn’t even hit 600,” Guerrero stated.
“I understand how this business operates. I adjusted my salary expectations somewhat, but I also reduced the number of years I was requesting. … Ideally, I’m aiming for 14 [years]. I would prefer 14, 15, or even 20 if that’s on the table, but I want to do it correctly.”
After the negotiation stalemate, Guerrero reiterated his dedication to concentrating on the upcoming season, which marks the last year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.
“There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The discussions extended until the final day of the deadline, but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero’s agents] couldn’t come to an agreement on the figures. However, as I continually emphasize, just because an agreement wasn’t reached doesn’t change my work ethic. I must continue to put in the effort,” he noted.
Guerrero is currently batting a .412 average this spring, with a 1.121 OPS, one home run, and three RBIs over seven games.
Information from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Enrique Rojas, and Juan Recio contributed to this report.