Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Contract Talks Near Deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays are in a precarious position as negotiations with star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for a contract extension have stalled. President Mark Shapiro remains optimistic about retaining Guerrero, stating that both parties have a strong desire to come to an agreement, with Guerrero wanting to spend his entire career in Toronto. Guerrero is reportedly seeking a contract worth around $550 million, while the Blue Jays have offered a deal that includes significant deferred money, which has led to a valuation gap of approximately $50 million. Despite this, Guerrero has expressed a willingness to keep the door open for negotiations, even as he approaches free agency at the end of the season. The ongoing uncertainty has raised concerns about the risk of losing their franchise player to competing teams, especially given the interest from high-profile clubs like the Yankees and Dodgers. Analysts suggest that the Blue Jays' approach could be deemed risky if they fail to secure Guerrero before he tests the market.