Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is heading for free agency, with the star slugger announcing that he has not met an agreement before his Monday deadline.
The first baseman, 25, will now spark a massive race for his signature at the end of the season – especially in the wake of Juan Soto’s $765million move to the New York Mets.
‘They had their numbers; I had my numbers,’ Guerrero said Tuesday. ‘We did not get an agreement.
‘This is business, like I always say. Things happen. The last couple of days, the front office, my lawyers, my agents met. Both parties tried but obviously we couldn’t get an agreement.’
Asked if the Blue Jays got close to the offer he had in mind, Guerrero simply said: ‘No.’
He continued: ‘Listen, I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career, but it’s free agency, it’s business, I’m going to have to listen to 29 more teams.’
“They had their numbers, I had my numbers.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. confirms he and the Blue Jays did not reach an agreement on a contract extension before his Monday-night deadline. pic.twitter.com/97Ci90EOSV
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 18, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract talks have broken down
The 25-year-old said the Blue Jays were not close to reaching the numbers he had in mind
ESPN says the Blue Jays could consider trading Guerrero but for now, prefer to start the season with him and reconsider as the July trade deadline approaches.
The Blue Jays have their first full workout on Tuesday, as they try and rebuild after finishing last in a competitive AL East last season.
But now, the status of their star man will inevitably dominate the early stages of spring training, at the very least.
At 25, Guerrero is already a four-time All-Star. The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, he hit 30 home runs last season and finished with a tally of 103 RBIs.
And his father’s shadow could loom over what Guerrero decides next.
‘A winning team, that’s what I’ll be looking for in free agency,’ he said. ‘As you guys know, my dad played a lot of years. He never won a World Series. My personal goal is to win a World Series and give the ring to my dad.’
Guerrero hinted, however, that the Blue Jays are still front of the line if they decide to meet the number he wants.
‘To be honest with you guys, I won’t close the door if it’s a realistic offer,’ he said Tuesday.
Guerrero Jr. said he would listen to every interested team once he enters free agency
But it sounds as if the two parties have a long way to go.
The Blue Jays begin the season on March 27 against AL East rivals Baltimore Orioles in Toronto.
Their first spring training game is on Saturday against the New York Yankees in Florida.