Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ star first baseman, is set to become one of the most coveted free agents in Major League Baseball following the 2025 season. Despite ongoing negotiations, the Blue Jays failed to secure a contract extension with Guerrero before his self-imposed deadline at the start of spring training. This development now sets the stage for a highly competitive bidding war, with multiple teams expected to pursue the All-Star slugger.

Failed Contract Talks

Guerrero has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays franchise since his debut in 2019, earning four All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier hitters. Reports indicate that Toronto offered a $350 million contract, but Guerrero, seeking a deal closer to $500 million, declined the proposal. With Juan Soto securing a 15-year, $765 million deal and Shohei Ohtani landing a historic contract, Guerrero is expected to test the open market to see if he can secure a similar long-term agreement.

“I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career,” Guerrero said when asked about his future. “But it’s free agency. It’s business.”

Potential Suitors for Guerrero

Several teams are expected to pursue Guerrero once he becomes available, with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox emerging as likely contenders.

• New York Yankees: Although Guerrero previously stated he would never sign with the Yankees due to past conflicts involving his father, he recently softened that stance, saying those feelings are “in the past.”
• New York Mets: With owner Steve Cohen’s aggressive spending habits, the Mets could be a major player in the Guerrero sweepstakes.
• Boston Red Sox: Looking to rebuild their offense and return to postseason contention, the Red Sox may view Guerrero as a franchise-defining acquisition.

The Future of Guerrero and the Blue Jays

With Guerrero on track for free agency in 2025, the Blue Jays face a tough decision: push for an extension or risk losing him for nothing. General Manager Ross Atkins emphasized that their offers were “very, very aggressive”, but with Guerrero opting to test the market, Toronto must decide whether to prepare a stronger offer or explore trade possibilities before the season ends.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Guerrero Jr.’s free agency decision will be one of the most significant storylines in MLB, with fans and analysts watching closely to see where the slugger will land.