Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro is confident the team will keep star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from hitting the free-agent market when his current deal ends after this season.
“I think we’re going to sign him. We’re aligned on the outcome,” Shapiro said Thursday. “Vlad wants to spend his whole career with the Blue Jays, and we want him to be a legacy player here.”
Despite reports suggesting the sides are $50 million apart, with Guerrero seeking $500 million, Shapiro called those claims an oversimplification.
Guerrero, who turned 26 on Sunday, avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $28.5 million deal earlier this offseason. While acknowledging the business side, Guerrero expressed his desire to remain in Toronto, stating, “I love the city and the fans. I’ll do everything I can to stay here.”
After another strong season, Guerrero, who earned $19.9 million in 2024, boasts a .288/.363/.500 career line with 160 home runs and 507 RBIs.
Shapiro emphasized that while Guerrero’s talent is undeniable, building a championship-winning team remains the top priority. “Fans come for winning, not just star players,” Shapiro noted.
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