Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. first popped up in MLB trade rumors last summer with the team in a skid and speculation about his future with the franchise. After the club failed to sign him to a contract extension before spring training, the All-Star slugger will now hit MLB free agency next offseason.
The 25-year-old is coming off a career-best season at the plate, which earned him his fourth consecutive All-Star selection and an All-ML. First Team spot for the second time in his career. In 2024, Guerrero Jr. posted a .940 OPS with 44 doubles and 30 home runs.
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- Vladimir Guerrero Jr stats (ESPN): .323/.396/.544.=, .940 OPS, 30 home runs, 103 RBI, 44 doubles
Despite a myriad of offseason MLB rumors that he could be traded during the winter, Toronto held onto him. However, when the two sides failed to agree to terms on a contract extension, he announced that he’ll test free agency next offseason. Following his announcement, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets were named as his likeliest landing spots next winter.
However, there’s an issue for the Yankees. Not only has Guerrero Jr. reportedly told people in the past that he’d love to play for the Red Sox but he also has some historical beef with the Yankees organization. Specifically, the team’s decision in 2003 to sign Gary Sheffield instead of Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
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Speaking to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman, through an interpreter, Guerrero Jr. said that the Yankees’ decision to not sign his father in 2003 will not stand in the way of him considering New York next winter.
“If I go to free agency, every team — all 30 teams — are going to have the opportunity to sit down with [me], to talk to me. I’m OK with everything. It’s in the past.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the NY Post on if his past history with the New York Yankees would rule them out in free agency
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- Vladimir Guerrero Jr contract (Spotrac): $28.5 million salary in 2025, MLB free agent in 2025-’26
More than two decades removed from choosing Sheffield over Guerrero Sr, the Yankees will have their shot at making a different pivotal decision in franchise history. It’s also been made fairly clear what Guerrero Jr. wants, with the team that makes the highest offer likely to sign him.
Early reports have already indicated the All-Star first baseman will be eyeing a $500-plus million contract with a deal for 10-plus seasons that would potentially lock him in for the rest of his career with one team. After not re-signing Juan Soto this offseason, New York could have its All-Star replacement next winter.
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