Blue Jays Agree to $28.5 Million Deal with Guerrero

The Toronto Blue Jays have successfully avoided arbitration with All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by agreeing to a $28.5 million contract for the 2025 season, marking one of the largest one-year contracts for an arbitration-eligible player in MLB history. Guerrero, who had an impressive 2024 season with a .323 batting average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs, is entering his final year of team control before free agency, with extension talks reportedly around $100 million apart. Additionally, catcher Alejandro Kirk has signed a one-year contract worth $4.6 million to avoid arbitration, raising his salary after a season where he recorded a .253 average and 54 RBIs. The Blue Jays managed to settle with all eight of their eligible players this offseason, including Kyle Bradish of the Baltimore Orioles, who agreed to a $2.35 million deal despite recovering from Tommy John surgery. This offseason's arbitration settlements highlight the growing financial stakes for players, especially following recent record-breaking contracts in the league. The successful negotiations signal a positive approach for the Blue Jays as they prepare for the upcoming season.