Insider: Blue Jays "Have Little Chance" Of Extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

MLB insider Jim Bowden believes the Toronto Blue Jays face slim odds of securing a long-term extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose contract expires after the 2025 season. 

Despite Guerrero’s standout 2024 campaign, where he hit .323/.396/.544 with 30 home runs and a .940 OPS, Bowden notes that rival executives are skeptical the Jays can retain their star first baseman. 

“The Blue Jays have given no indication they’re going to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this offseason,” Bowden explains, “but one National League general manager told me he believes they’ll change their mind when they realize they have little chance of extending him.” 

This uncertainty about Guerrero’s future mirrors past instances where Toronto’s focus on other big names, like last offseason's pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, prevented them from making progress with their core players.

Day 11 of posting Vladimir Guerrero Jr until the Blue Jays sign him to an extension pic.twitter.com/6P4VMl4Io3

— Hubble (@Hxbble) November 14, 2024

The Blue Jays are now reportedly eyeing free agent Juan Soto as a potential high-profile addition, but ESPN’s Buster Olney warns that Toronto’s ambitions could backfire. 

“They are gonna do some big stuff,” Olney shared, recounting a rival executive's impression that the Blue Jays' pursuit of marquee talent “reeks of desperation.” 

This eagerness to add Soto could divert attention away from Guerrero, risking his future with the organization as he moves closer to free agency. 

With Soto likely to attract interest from wealthy teams like the New York Yankees and Mets, the Blue Jays’ pursuit may place additional strain on their budget, making Guerrero’s extension increasingly difficult.

Juan Soto is playing Call of Duty with Vladimir Guerrero Jr 👀 pic.twitter.com/EnXMPWziwG

— Bennett (@Bennett_F7) November 6, 2024

Bowden emphasizes that failing to retain Guerrero—and, potentially, fellow young star Bo Bichette—would be a significant setback for GM Ross Atkins, whose job security could hinge on these negotiations. 

If Guerrero were to leave Toronto, it would be a considerable blow to the team’s long-term plans, especially given the talent and value he brings to their lineup. 

Bowden warns that without an immediate focus on Guerrero’s extension, the Jays risk losing both their star first baseman and a crucial piece of their future.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images