The Toronto Blue Jays’ superstar hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has demanded his next contract to provide $500 million in current-day financial value per Rosenthal from The Athletic.
Guerrero plans to finalise a deal with the Blue Jays by February 18 since he turns 26 on Sunday before entering next winter as a free agent.
The reported $500 million deal from Toronto ended in a reduced present value between $400 million and $450 million due to deferred payment terms.
“We’re talking about many fewer millions than (New York Mets right fielder) Juan Soto, more than a hundred million less,” Guerrero said.
“It was the same number of years, but it didn’t reach $600 million. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn’t reach $600 [million].” Guerrero added.
In his six years as a Toronto Blue Jay Guerrero recorded a batting performance that includes .288/.363/.500 numbers.
During the ‘21 season Guerrero secured his best performance by becoming the top scorer in the AL with a 1.002 OPS and placing second in the MVP race.
The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani secured a $700 million 10-year deal which became the most significant MLB contract prior to 2024. Massive deferred payments were part of the overall contract agreement.
Guerrero has expressed his preference to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays when his free agent start in November.
“I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career. But it’s free agency and it’s business. I’m going to have to listen to 29 other teams.” Guerrero said.
Guerrero became eligible for free agency at the expiration of the season so he entered the market one year after Juan Soto.
Within his third year as a professional player at age 27 Guerrero faced a generous age for a free agent contract. Because hitters at his position infrequently appear in the free agent pool during these ages it makes them more attractive.
