Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been one of MLB’s biggest offseason topics. Entering the final year of his contract, the four-time All-Star did not reach a long-term extension with the franchise he debuted for in 2019.
Telling reporters the Blue Jays did not come close to offering his desired deal (via ESPN’s Jeff Passan), Guerrero has made it clear he plans to meet with all 30 teams in 2025 free agency.
While different reports have speculated what Guerrero is seeking on his next deal, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed he wants $500 million in present value, not in deferrals. Per the New York Post, the gap in negotiations was due to Toronto offering about $500 million, but with significant deferrals.
Following this news of Guerrero’s desired contract, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper spoke on the Blue Jays’ slugger. In an interview with MLB reporter Yancen Pujols, Harper was asked for the top-five players he would pay to watch.
“I love watching Vladdy hit,” Harper said. “I just love his little wiggle that he has.”
While MLB’s two New York franchises have regularly been named potential landing spots for the 2021 All-Star Game MVP, the Phillies were floated as an “off-the-wall” suitor for Guerrero by R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports last month.
Just turning 26 years old, Guerrero is coming off the second top-10 MVP finish of his career. The right-handed first baseman drove in 103 runs last season, finishing with a .940 OPS that ranked sixth in baseball.
