Ex-Mets GM predicts Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s next contract duration

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s free agency next offseason is already grabbing headlines, with the star first baseman putting the Toronto Blue Jays on a clock to give him an extension worth not denying. The Blue Jays have until the start of spring training to strike a deal or lose the first baseman to free agency after the 2025 season.

Whether a deal takes place this summer or in the winter, it's going to be long term, probably in the vicinity of $450-500 million, as many projects. Former Mets general manager Jim Duquette discussed Guerrero's arbitration case as being far from typical and suggested that a long-term deal is the only realistic outcome.

“Usually, the pressure of not going to a hearing becomes the impetus for a longer-term deal, even if it's like a two- or three-year deal,” Duquette said on MLB Network.

“Now, Vlad is a totally different story because that one's ready for long-term or bust. This is not going to be a, 'Let’s just do a two-year deal and buy out one year of free agency.' No, no, no. It’s going to be a 12- to 15-year deal if it gets done."

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Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. settle for $28.5 million salary to avoid arbitration

While the contract extension negotiations have been slow between both parties, Toronto fans will have something to cheer for, as the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have avoided arbitration for a $28.5 million salary on Thursday.

The Blue Jays have also reached agreements with all seven of their arbitration-eligible players, including infielder Ernie Clement ($1.975 million), catcher Alejandro Kirk ($4.6 million), outfielder Daulton Varsho ($8.2 million) and right-handed pitchers Alek Manoah ($2.2 million), Zach Pop ($900K) and Nick Sandlin ($1.63 million).

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s free agency has many teams shoring up their resources so that they could get into a bidding war next season to lock up one of Toronto's brightest stars. He finished the 2024 season with .323 with 30 homers and 103 RBIs.

The first baseman earned his fourth All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award. He came in sixth from AL MVP voting.