Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly inching closer to getting a long-term deal done.
Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays are said to be “very close to finalizing” a $500 million extension, per MLB reporter Mike Rodriguez. The deal is not expected to include any deferred money and is likely to be a 14-year pact.
The 26-year-old Guerrero Jr. has made it clear that he wants a deal in the $500 million range. While the Blue Jays have reportedly offered Vladito his desired monetary amount, the previous offers were said to have included “significant deferrals” that would have lowered the contract’s net present value.
If the new report holds true, the Blue Jays likely softened their stance on the deferrals in order to lock up their franchise player for the foreseeable future.
Guerrero Jr. previously set an ultimatum for the Blue Jays to get an extension done before the end of spring training, a deadline that has already passed. Without a new deal, Guerrero Jr. asserted his intention to test free agency at season’s end.
There have been rumblings about teams like the New York Mets getting involved in any potential Guerrero Jr. sweepstakes. But the Blue Jays have remained optimistic that a deal could still get done and now appear on the verge of getting Guerrero Jr.’s pen to paper.
In 10 games this season, Guerrero Jr. has gone 10-for-39 with 4 RBIs. He has yet to hit a home run this season.
