"Juan Soto getting over $700,000,000 increased the price" - MLB insider makes feelings known on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s rumored $450,000,000 demand

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said in December that his contract extension negotiations haven't reached a conclusion and that the Blue Jays have until the Spring Training deadline to make something happen.

On Wednesday, a report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale got everyone talking. According to him, Guerrero Jr. is asking for a $450 contract from the Blue Jays.

Talking about Vladimir Guerroro Jr., MLB Insider Robert Murray said the Juan Soto deal, reportedly worth over $700 million, has set a new benchmark, making Guerrero’s rumored $450 million ask seem plausible.

"Now, with Juan Soto getting well over $700 million, it’s increased the price for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. I don’t know if the $450 million number is right, but ever since the Soto deal got done, my assumption is Vlad will be seeking something around $400–500 million, maybe more. It wouldn’t hurt to ask for the moon," Murray said (5:30 onwards) on "Baseball Insiders" podcast.

"I can’t imagine he’s going to get anything out of this world, but he is going to get a massive contract. The $450 million number sounds plausible. I don’t have it 100% confirmed by any means, but my guess is Vlad Jr. will not sign an extension this offseason. He’ll eventually become a free agent, and if he does, my guess is he leaves Toronto."

Robert Murray agrees Red Sox being a potential spot for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Rumors suggest Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s potential deal with the Boston Red Sox if he turns free agent next offseason. While the Red Sox are seen as a potential destination, Murray cautioned against making premature assumptions.

"Big market teams will bid for his services, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Red Sox were involved," Murray added. "They’ve been involved with a lot of big-name players. But to say it’s likely to happen or that he’s bound to become a Red Sox when he’s about a year away from free agency? To me, that’s extremely premature."

As Guerrero Jr. continues to weigh his options, it’s clear that Toronto faces significant pressure to meet his demands or risk losing one of their brightest stars to free agency.