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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not going to be a free agent till the 2025-26 offseason. That has not stopped hypothesis about his future.
Guerrero had been the subject of trade rumors earlier than the July 30 deadline regardless of common supervisor Ross Atkins adamantly denying he was accessible. Bob Nightengale of USA Today famous that the Blue Jays are hopeful {that a} long-term extension could be labored out. Beginning pitcher Chris Bassitt went so far as to say in an interview with Chris Rose that not solely does he really feel Guerrero needs to remain in Toronto for the remainder of his profession, however that an extension would come collectively.
The largest query with a potential extension is the associated fee. Guerrero is incomes $19.9M this season and has yet another yr of arbitration left. He has positioned himself for a large improve in wage subsequent yr, as he had produced a .316/.389/.546 batting line in his 555 plate appearances getting into Saturday, hitting 26 homers and 33 doubles. Guerrero has even made eight appearances at third base, probably the most he has appeared on the scorching nook since his rookie season.
Nevertheless, as famous on the “Blair and Barker Show” on SportsNet, first basemen usually don’t get costlier contracts. Bryce Harper is the highest-paid first baseman, incomes roughly $27.5M per yr. Harper additionally signed that contract as an outfielder, moving to first base because of an elbow damage and Rhys Hoskins being misplaced for the 2023 season. Freddie Freeman, who’s incomes $27M per yr via 2027, is the highest-paid participant who signed their contract as a primary baseman.
Jeff Blair additional famous that Guerrero is unlikely to obtain $30M a yr, both in an extension with the Blue Jays or in free company. His time at third base this season helps, as three third basemen — Anthony Rendon ($36M), Nolan Arenado ($35M) and Alex Bregman ($30.5M) — have all eclipsed that mark. As such, Tim Britton of The Athletic had projected a nine-year, $250M extension for Guerrero.
Some components are working in Guerrero’s favor. He’ll flip simply 26-years-old in March, permitting the Blue Jays, or one other workforce, to manage him throughout his hypothetical prime. His strikeout, stroll and hard-hit charges are all much better than common.
Nevertheless, Guerrero is a primary baseman — that alone might result in his receiving a relatively disappointing supply.
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