Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is entering the final year of his contract that will pay him $28.5 million in 2025. Seeking an extension he said the Blue Jays never come close to offering (via ESPN’s Jeff Passan), Guerrero will enter free agency after this season.
With the Blue Jays yet to offer Guerrero his desired contract, MLB’s two New York franchises have often been floated as potential landing spots for the four-time All-Star. That said, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported earlier this month that the Mets may not be willing to meet Guerrero’s asking price after committing $765 million to Juan Soto this offseason.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and general manager David Stearns have built a 2025 roster worth more than $300 million (via Spotrac), but making Guerrero the highest-paid first baseman in league history may be where they draw the line.
“Despite the speculation and the Mets’ well-stocked cash drawer, folks don’t believe they’d be the one to pay that,” Heyman wrote. “People around the game don’t see Mets honcho David Stearns spending that much money on a slugging first baseman — even a young one.”
Following this news that he and Soto will likely not be future teammates, Guerrero had a clear message for his fellow Dominican star. During an interview with MLB reporter Yancen Pujols, Guerrero urged Soto to stop taunting opposing pitchers.
Guerrero said in Spanish he does not want Soto to be intentionally thrown at, which could risk injury. Known for his “Soto shuffle” that often includes a long look at the pitcher, the left-handed slugger is among the game’s most openly confident hitters.
Among active players from the Dominican Republic, Soto (.953) and Guerrero (.832) rank first and second in career On-Base Plus Slugging percentage.
