Toronto Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. "at least $100 million apart" in contract talks: report

If the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the messaging appears pretty clear: they’re going to have to pay top dollar.

A four-time All-Star and 2021 MVP finalist in his time with the Jays, Guerrero is well on his way to replicate at least some of the accolades from his famous father’s Hall of Fame career.

Keeping him in Toronto long-term is the clear top priority for Toronto’s oft-maligned front office, as he’s eligible to hit free agency as soon as next summer. It’s been widely reported that the two sides are talking contract details, with Guerrero saying he’ll either sign before spring training or revisit the conversation next winter about his future in Toronto.

But according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, a deal isn’t exactly close.

“Guerrero and the Blue Jays are at least $100 million apart, with Guerrero seeking at least $450 million,” Nightengale wrote earlier today. “If Guerrero doesn’t receive an extension by spring training, he’ll test free agency. If Guerrero doesn’t return to the Blue Jays, he would love to be with the Red Sox, friends say, which may be why the Red Sox are hesitant in their pursuit of [free agent Alex] Bregman.”

This isn’t the first time Guerrero has been linked to the Red Sox, and it probably won’t be the last.

Last month, Guerrero liked an Instagram post from a Boston Red Sox fan account, lanacionboston, which suggested that the Red Sox could land Juan Soto this offseason and Guerrero in the next, with the two teaming up with current Boston star Rafael Devers.

Soto obviously didn’t end up in Boston, as he signed with the New York Mets, and maybe Guerrero just thought it was a cool piece of concept artwork. But unless he signs that major deal in Toronto, the Guerrero rumours aren’t going to slow down anytime soon.

You might also like:
• Bo Bichette is "as good as gone" from Toronto Blue Jays: report