The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are not at all close to agreeing on a contract extension, reports theUSA Today mardi.
Informant Bob Nightengale writes that “a gap of at least US$100 million” separates the two sides of a deal. Guerrero would like to sign a contract worth $450 million.
Guerrero is in his final year of salary arbitration eligibility and will be eligible for full free agency after the 2025 season.
If a deal can’t be reached before training camp, Nightengale said Guerrero will likely test the free agent market. The Montreal-born athlete would particularly like to play for the Blue Jays’ division rivals, the Boston Red Sox.
Guerrero hit .323/.396/.544 with 30 homers and 103 RBIs last season, his best since being a finalist for MVP in 2021.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, who will also be entitled to full autonomy in 2025, will likely leave the team at the conclusion of his contract, again according to Nightengale.
According to Jon Heyman of New York Postthe Jays are reportedly among the teams interested in late-game reliever Carlos Estevez.
They have a need at this position after Jordan Romano left for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 32-year-old Estevez recorded 26 saves and had a 2.45 ERA during his final season between the Los Angeles Angels and Phillies.
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