Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sets deadline for final round of contract extension talks

The Toronto Blue Jays are acting like they have all the time in the world to improve a roster that finished in the basement of the American League East last season. They have been playing golf for almost three months and little has seemed to spur them into action. Are they finally facing the sense of urgency that can get them moving?

Deadlines are amazing things in life. They get students to do their homework, politicians to do their job, and sporting franchises to improve their teams. Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has issued a deadline to the Blue Jays front office and it has enormous implications for the fortunes of the franchise.

Guerrero recently sat down with Abriendo Sports as he basks in the afterglow of an amazing 2024 season and looks forward to a fruitful upcoming year. Sitting beside two hosts in a relaxed and tropical climate, Guerrero confirmed that he is "ready to go" on a contract extension and wants it wrapped up by the beginning of spring training. In this context, it feels safe to assume that "beginning" means the start of daily workouts and not exhibition games.

To be clear, the Blue Jays are under no obligation to sign Guerrero before spring training. That's simply a self-imposed deadline designed to apply pressure on the front office. The front office could extend some goodwill toward their superstar, but they are not required to do so. It feels like spring training is a good time to hammer out these extensions because it allows all parties to sidestep the distractions of the regular season.

If the parties are close enough, they can keep talking beyond the self-imposed deadline. If only minor details need to be ironed out, does anyone really believe that Guerrero will tell his representation to cease negotiations on a potentially life-changing sum of money? More to the point, however, does anyone believe that a front office which holds firm to their valuations will pony up in the manner necessary to pay a star?

Thankfully, Guerrero did the public a favor and let it be known that the club hasn't come close to what his targeted number is.

The club reportedly offered a deal worth $340 million that came after the Juan Soto deal. Pile that on top of reportedly receiving a seven-year, $150 million extension after his magnificent 2021 season, a figure that Guerrero summarily declined. Guerrero is paying attention and wants to get paid after having a strong season. Is Guerrero the player of Soto's caliber? Maybe not. Having said that, the pair of stars in their mid-twenties are extremely talented.

Soto has never posted an OPS+ south of 142, which came during his early years in Washington. In posting a 178 OPS+ last season, his most in a full season, Soto rewrote the playbook on free agent platform years. Guerrero, on the other hand, has alternated anywhere from 106 to 167. Guerrero's 2023 season had a lot of people ready to jump off the cliff. His 2024 will never be forgotten as he hit .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, 98 runs scored and a .940 OPS. Another year of that stellar production and we are talking!

Guerrero must recognize that the teams who missed out on Soto could be bidding for a similar superstar next winter. If the Soto bidding got out of hand this winter, is it at least possible that Guerrero's bidding can follow a similar trajectory among desperate teams next winter?

The front office has to pick a direction. You see their indecisive behavior on full display when it comes to fellow pending free agent Bo Bichette. Months after shooting down any trade rumors regarding the shortstop, they are now at least going to pick up the phone, per the latest chatter.

This can all be avoided right now. The clock is ticking on a beleaguered front office and the ramifications for the future of Toronto Blue Jays baseball is enormous. They currently have Guerrero in their grasp and should be doing everything to command his undivided attention. All it takes is one crazy owner next winter to blow him away and he is history in Canada. The tide is about to go out and we'll soon see if the Blue Jays have been swimming naked.