Vladimir Guerrero Jr. nears Blue Jays free agency decision

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has opted not to finalize a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays before his self-imposed deadline, indicating his confidence in performing well in the upcoming season. This decision positions him for a potentially lucrative free agency, with interest from major teams like the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Meanwhile, his teammates, including Jose Berrios and Bo Bichette, have expressed strong support for keeping Guerrero in Toronto, emphasizing his importance to the team's future. The Blue Jays face a pivotal moment as they weigh their competitive prospects against the possibility of entering a rebuilding phase without Guerrero. Manager John Schneider acknowledges the potential distraction of Guerrero's pending free agency but remains focused on winning this season. General manager Ross Atkins is committed to negotiating with Guerrero even if the deadline passes without a deal, as both sides aim for a resolution that benefits the player and the franchise.