Insider Predicts Insane Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Extension Demands from Blue Jays

After a monstrous June, July and August, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has put himself into some compelling territory when it comes to his potential value on the free agent market next summer—if he makes it that far.

Will the Toronto Blue Jays be able to sign their franchise player to a long-term extension this offseason before he enters his walk year in 2025?

Insider Jon Morosi told Blue Jays Talk on Sportsnet that the upcoming colossal, gargantuan Juan Soto free agent contract this winter — expected to be over $500 million — will inform Guerrero's agents on how to proceed.

If I am in Vladdy's camp, they're probably going to wait for Soto to sign (to seriously discuss an extension with Toronto)... Then they can go to the Jays and say, 'Listen, if our guy gets to free agency in just a normal year for him in 12 months, he's gonna get THIS (referring to Soto's number). So if you want to buy us out of this, you better get us at least within 70% or 80% of that'.

It's going to be an incalculable number. But that's the price of doing business, and I'd be stunned if that's not the approach that Vladdy's agents take.

Now, despite Guerrero's incredible run this season, which has seen him post a second-half ridiculous .909 slugging percentage (yes, slugging, not OPS) and a 1.409 OPS for an insane 275 OPS+, Jays fans might still be doing a double-take here, wondering if Vladdy is really in Juan Soto territory. After all, following his MVP-caliber 2021 season, Guerrero had been underwhelming—pretty good, but not great—through 2022, 2023 and the first month or two of 2024. Does the last three months get him into Juan Soto range?

Morosi, for one, seems to have no doubt. "Vladdy is 12 months away from a massive, Soto-esque payday."

The Toronto front office reportedly offered Shohei Ohtani close to $700 million last offseason. Will they appropriate a large percentage of that to Guerrero this winter?

In his last 30 games, Vladdy has hit .417, with 12 homers, 27 RBIs and 27 runs. Overall, he's hitting .319 with 25 HR, 80 RBIs and a .941 OPS (164 OPS+).