Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recently earned headlines by signing a record-setting, 14-year contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays. This amazing agreement totals a jaw dropping $500 million! Guerrero, a four-time All-Star and MVP runner-up in 2021, was set to hit free agency after this season. This joint operating agreement couldn’t have come at a better moment for him.
At 26, Guerrero’s the veteran of all this, but he’s already made a name as one of the most exciting forces to hit Major League Baseball (MLB) in years. Over the course of his career, that’s included playing in 829 total games. His lifetime .287 batting average, 160 home runs and 511 RBIs trails no one. His incredible on-field talent has made him a household name. He is, after all, one of the most valuable players in the league.
This season, Guerrero has played in ten games, in which he has a batting average of .256. He has not come close to a home run this season yet, but has been able to knock in four runs thus far. His performance thus far suggests a player capable of significant contributions to his team, reinforcing the Blue Jays’ decision to invest heavily in his future.
The contract extension is remarkable not only for its unprecedented $770 million financial worth but in the way that it has been structured. It has zero deferred funds. That ensures Guerrero is paid the full $5 million up front, with no deferred payments or gimmicks over the course of the contract. This deal is a clear expression of the Blue Jays’ commitment to their star player. They have every confidence that he can play at an elite level for several years.
Guerrero’s consistency and improvement over the last two years have launched him into the rare air alongside some of MLB’s best. Though repeating eighth grade was certainly a setback, he began his path as a gifted youth talent. Now he has grown up into the Blue Jay’s most valuable player. His achievements, including being named an All-Star multiple times and finishing as a runner-up for the MVP award, underscore his impact on the game.
The Blue Jays should do everything they can to lock Guerrero down. They see this as a smart play for their long-term viability and future. With his dynamic talent and potential, all signs point to him being a big part of the team’s core lineup for decades to come. The franchise’s goal now is to build a franchise around him, and with it, return to the glory days of frequent postseason appearances.
