Toronto Blue Jays hope to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr during offseason
There was going to be one problem if the Toronto Blue Jays wave of second generation players lived up to expectations. At some point, those players were going to start getting paid, stretching the Blue Jays’ financial resources. They would have to decide which of those players would be key pieces to the their future core, and whether or not they could afford to keep them for the long term.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is clearly the top priority. While Guerrero and the Blue Jays agreed to a one year deal to avoid arbitration, the two sides had reportedly begun discussing a long term extension before deciding to hold off on those talks until the offseason.
Toronto Blue Jays need to open vault for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
As it is, Guerrero is going to be paid well this season. As a Super Two player, he had entered the arbitration system early, and will make $7.9 million for 2022. Considering his production last season, when he led the majors with 48 homers and 123 runs scored as he finished second in the AL MVP vote, he more than deserves that type of compensation for his first trek through the arbitration process.
It is also going to make Guerrero progressively more expensive. He is not showing any signs of slowing down this season, especially after the battering he put on the Yankees over the past couple of days. Another season of similar production will boost his salary even more.
With that being the case, Guerrero can take his time when it comes to an extension. Every ball he send into orbit, and every time he gets on base, his salary will increase. One can practically see those dollars signs adding up whenever he swings the bat.
At the same time, that production means that the Blue Jays have every reason to want to get an extension done as quickly as possible. Exploring a long term deal made a great deal of sense prior to this year. However, they can still lock him in to a cost-effective deal when the season comes to an end.
Next. Like father, like son. dark
The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. plan to discuss a long term deal this offseason. The Blue Jays better be ready to open the vaults.