Earlier this month, the two-time MLB all-star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., agreed to a $28.5 million salary for the year 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, with free agency looming.
It is uncertain where Guerrero Jr. will continue and finish his career. While he’s currently the star player for the Blue Jays, it is unclear on how much longer he will stay with the team.
In 2024, Guerrero Jr. finished the season with 30 home runs, a .323 batting average, and 103 RBIs. He is a premier hitter with both average and power, and is known to be one of the top sluggers in the league.
Only three years earlier, in 2021, he was getting MVP votes thanks to having a career-high year finishing with a .311 batting average, 48 home runs, and 111 RBI’s. He led the American league in total bases, home runs, and slugging percentage. He ended up a close second in MVP votes, after Shohei Ohtani.
Guerrero Jr. started as a third baseman, but then became a first baseman. His defense at first base has significantly improved over time. He is not one of the elite first base mens, however he is a valuable contributor to the team. He has athleticism, as well as soft and sturdy hands that allow him to make solid plays.
He is an athlete that also has a huge influence, serving as a role model for the aspiring players in the Dominican Republic, as well as in other countries. He represents a broad cultural impact even more among Latin American players in the MLB hence being Dominican.
Guerrero Jr. plays a very significant role in the Blue Jays’ determination to become a competing team in the league. They have the potential to be considered a playoff team with players like George Springer or Bo Bichette, and with Guerrero Jr. being their anchor to success.
Some things are still wildly unsure, like Guerrero Jr.’s future with the Blue Jays and if they can afford to keep him long-term. The team's dedication and ability to contend for championships will heavily impact and influence his decision to stay on the team.
Many teams are likely to have interest in him and make a move to sign him when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season. They could also equip him in a trade that would involve a heavy package, including multiple key players that could help a team win.
Back in 2022, Guerrero Jr. was asked if he would ever consider playing for the Yankees, to which he made it clear that he would never sign with them. He answered, “I like to play in New York, I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even dead.” (via yahoo sports @ElDotolNastra)
There has been no news as if the New York Mets will sign their first baseman, Pete Alonso, as he is still a free agent. With star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entering a contract year, the Mets have already checked-in on him, with potential interest. (per Andy Martino of SNY)
It remains unclear where Guerrero Jr. will end up after the 2025 season. The player’s market will only increase as he explores free agency, which is why it is becoming urgent for the Blue Jays to secure an extension before it’s too late.
Edited by Elsa Olano
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