In each of the last two offseasons, the Toronto Blue Jays have struck out their top outside targets. They fell short in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes in 2023 and fell short in the Juan Soto race this year.

However, if they manage to hold on to one, it would seem like a huge win. Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a free agent at the end of the 2025 season and the team should be desperate to re-sign him for several reasons.

Firstly, it is always good to keep local players. Every time a local player signs a contract extension, it’s a huge win for everyone in the organization and sends a strong message to the players in your system. Second, the Jays are at a crossroads and having Guerrero Jr. in the fold long-term would provide some clarity. It could also help entice other free agents to join the club, as clarity would exist for them as well.

Guerrero Jr. recently appeared on a Spanish-language podcast and discussed his future.

According to Jays reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith:

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Vlad Guerrero Jr. says he is discussing a possible extension with the Blue Jays and is “ready to do” a long-term deal for the right offer. Also: He says he has no plans to trade after the first full day of spring training and the Jays front office knows it.

Guerrero Jr. also says he’s already been offered an extension that isn’t close to what he’s looking for, but he hasn’t discussed those numbers.

With Guerrero Jr. setting spring training as the deadline for conversations, there is now pressure on the Jays front office as they have about 50 days to work something out.

Guerrero Jr. is coming off a great 2024 season, hitting .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs.

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