What's happened
On April 9, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays announced a monumental contract extension for star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The deal, reportedly worth $700 million over ten years, is the second-largest in MLB history, ensuring Guerrero remains with the team through the 2035 season. This comes as the Blue Jays aim to strengthen their roster.
What's behind the headline?
Contract Significance
- Guerrero's contract is the second-largest in MLB history, only behind Juan Soto's $765 million deal.
- This extension reflects the Blue Jays' commitment to building a competitive team around their star player.
Implications for the Team
- Retaining Guerrero Jr. solidifies the Blue Jays' offensive lineup, which is crucial for their playoff aspirations.
- The deal may influence other teams' strategies in the upcoming free agency period, as they assess their own star players' values.
Future Outlook
- Guerrero's performance will be closely monitored as he aims to live up to the expectations of his historic contract.
- The Blue Jays are likely to continue investing in talent to complement Guerrero, enhancing their chances for success in the coming seasons.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Guerrero's contract extension is a significant move for the Blue Jays, with president Mark Shapiro calling it a 'monumental moment in franchise history.' The deal is designed to keep Guerrero, who has a .288 career batting average and 160 home runs, with the team through 2035. Al Jazeera highlights that the contract includes no deferred money, making it the second most valuable in present value in the majors. This strategic decision by the Blue Jays aims to avoid a competitive bidding war for Guerrero's services as he was set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
How we got here
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a four-time All-Star and MVP runner-up in 2021, was set to become a free agent at the end of the season. The Blue Jays sought to avoid a bidding war by locking him into a long-term deal, which is seen as a pivotal moment in franchise history.
Go deeper
- What does this contract mean for the Blue Jays' future?
- How does Guerrero's performance impact his contract?
- What are the reactions from fans and analysts?
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