Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is getting paid in a big way.
Vladdy Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a 14-year, $500 million contract extension pending a physical. The really significant aspect of the deal is that no money is deferred, which had been a sticking point in negotiations from both sides. Guerrero had been seeking a deal with no deferred money, and the Blue Jays apparently finally acquiesced, allowing the deal to come together.
Guerrero’s deal is the second-largest in MLB history in terms of present-day value. Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract reigns supreme. But Guerrero’s contract surpasses the present-day value of Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers since so much of the money from that deal was deferred.
Vladdy Jr. was set to become a free agent after the season and had imposed a deadline in February for the two sides to agree on an extension. However, he did not close the door on continuing contract talks — as evidenced by this deal coming together.
The 26-year-old made his MLB debut with Toronto in 2019 and is in his seventh season with the club. He signed with the Blue Jays as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2015 at the age of 16. Guerrero had a huge season in 2021 and led the league with 123 runs scored, 48 home runs and a 1.002 OPS. He batted .323 with a .940 OPS last season.
Guerrero, who has also played third base and DH, primarily plays first base. He is batting .256 through 10 games this season.
