The Manager of the Blue Jays Declares Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Won't Cause Disruption
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract situation is teetering on the brink of resolution, but tension hangs in the air as the slugging first baseman has issued a Tuesday deadline for a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. If a deal isn't struck, Guerrero has vowed to end negotiations and file for free agency post-World Series. This looming uncertainty casts a shadow over the Blue Jays' spring training camp in Dunedin, Florida. Manager John Schneider understands the predicament, having steered the team through a challenging season that left them anchored at the bottom of the American League East with a 74-88 record, following two consecutive postseason appearances.
Schneider and his squad, marked by veterans who have navigated contract negotiations before, are prepared to handle the potential distraction. They remain focused on winning with Vlad Jr. on the team, who is set to be their opening-day first baseman regardless of the contract drama. Shortstop Bo Bichette, also eyeing free agency after the season, shares the spotlight, having led the AL in hits in 2021 and 2022.
However, the spotlight predominantly centers on Guerrero, who, despite his tender age of 25, has amassed an impressive resume: chosen for the last four All-Star Games, boasting a jaw-dropping 2023 batting average of .323/.396/.544, and belting out 30 home runs in 159 games last season. His All-Star Home Run Derby victory in Seattle matched a feat achieved by his legendary father, Hall of Fame slugger Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins is determined to re-sign Guerrero and has acknowledged their ongoing negotiations. Guerrero currently earns a $28.5-million salary this season, and while rumors suggest a potential market value of $600 million should he reach free agency, the Blue Jays have shown a penchant for engaging with high-profile free agents, a fact that has fans questioning their willingness to foot such a price tag.
But as the clock ticks towards Tuesday's deadline, the Blue Jays remain tight-lipped about their plans, reflecting the team's cautious approach and commitment to valuing their roster efficiently. Nevertheless, they are optimistic about entering the season with Guerrero on the roster, with manager Schneider pointing to a solid lineup that boasts players eager to bounce back from a subpar 2022 season. Whether Guerrero will begin the season as the Blue Jays' opening-day first baseman or become a trade chip later in the season, is a question that remains unanswered, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Blue Jays' 2023 campaign.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are playing a game of contract negotiations, with a deadline set for Tuesday. Guerrero's impressive statistics in MLB, including his All-Star appearances and home run totals, have escalated his potential salary, reportedly reaching $600 million if he were to reach free agency. Despite this, the Blue Jays Aussiedlerbote, or frugality, might impact their willingness to meet such a price tag.