Blue Jays Must Lock Down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Before Free Agency Bidding Fighting Begins

MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Must Lock Down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Before Free Agency Bidding Fighting Begins

The Toronto Blue Jays are at a crossroads. With Opening Day behind them, their two biggest stars—Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette—are entering the final year of their contracts. While both could walk in free agency after the season, Guerrero’s situation is particularly alarming for Toronto’s front office.

If Guerrero hits unrestricted free agency, powerhouse teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees will likely be willing to offer upwards of $500 million to lure him away. The Blue Jays are fully aware of this threat and have been aggressive in their negotiations. Reports indicate they’ve been working on a new deal for months, but no agreement was reached before the season began.

That doesn’t mean general manager Ross Atkins isn’t trying. In fact, Atkins may be one of the most desperate executives in baseball right now. If Guerrero leaves without the Blue Jays securing a return, it could trigger a major franchise setback.

Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro Are Fighting to Keep Guerrero in Toronto

While Atkins is doing everything possible to lock Guerrero into a long-term deal, he’s not alone in his urgency.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently reported that extending Guerrero is a high-stakes move for more than just the GM.

“The Toronto Blue Jays continue to inch closer to signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a contract extension, likely a 14- or 15-year deal worth about $500 million, which will be crucial for Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro’s popularity in Toronto,” Nightengale wrote. “The Blue Jays’ last postseason victory was in 2016, and this is the final year of Shapiro’s contract.”

For Shapiro, securing Guerrero isn’t just about keeping a franchise cornerstone—it’s about legacy and job security. The Blue Jays haven’t won a postseason series since 2016, and fans are growing restless. Locking in Guerrero for the long haul would be a monumental win for Shapiro, especially if the deal is completed before free agency opens the floodgates.

Can the Toronto Blue Jays Get It Done?

With high-profile suitors looming, the Blue Jays can’t afford to drag their feet. A 14- or 15-year contract in the $500 million range would make Guerrero one of the highest-paid players in MLB history. While that’s a massive commitment, losing a generational talent for nothing would be even worse.

The clock is ticking for Toronto. If the front office wants to avoid a bidding war, they need to strike a deal before Guerrero gets a taste of free agency’s open market.