The Blue Jays front office produced a delightful surprise overnight Sunday, finally doing something right for a change. Despite the understandable complete lack of trust from fans, general manager Ross Atkins and president and CEO Mark Shapiro have given first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a massive extension. It appears Guerrero has signed off on the rest of his career to the Toronto faithful.
It seemed all hope was lost earlier this year when the team was unable to reach an agreement by Guerrero’s self-imposed pre-season deadline. February 18, 2025, came and went without an extension, raising concerns and rumors across Canada. Based on the mismanagement of previous talent, fans tried to adjust to the fact that he would likely be traded at the deadline this summer.
Jeff Passan reported on X, per ESPN, that Toronto and Guerrero have agreed on a 14-year, $500 million extension. This is the most exciting news Jays fans have heard in a while, with most already wondering about trade return, and what the future might look like. The team now has the face of the franchise signed, likely for the remainder of his career.
With a career .862 OPS, Guerrero earned himself a deal with no deferrals, a price many elite players have had to pay to go where they want. It’s rare for the Blue Jays to produce and keep such high-end homegrown talent. Atkins and Shapiro gained some much-needed credibility in this extension as well, finally making a move that looks good from the other players’ perspective.
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Blue Jays fans no longer need to fear July 31, 2025; a generation of baseball has been saved. With a 6.2 WAR last season, this deal was crucial for the franchise. If Toronto moved Guerrero at the deadline, it could be another decade before the team was ever relevant again.
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