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Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. believes his market value has changed, thanks to Juan Soto's historic contract this winter.
The 25-year-old infielder is set to enter free agency after next season but is yet to sign an extension with the Blue Jays. Speaking on Abriendo El podcast, Guerrero Jr. shed some light on his impending free agency and market value as he continues to negotiate an extension with Toronto:
"My numbers changed thanks to Juan Soto. Shohei Ohtani changed the system for Soto, and Soto changed the system for me."
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Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year changed the landscape of the MLB market.
It was the biggest contract ever signed in US sports history, with most believing that it was due to the Japanese star's two-way abilities. Nevertheless, it has now been surpassed by Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
While the bidding war between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets drove Soto's price up, Guerrero believes it was thanks to Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented deal last year.
If the Blue Jays star doesn't extend his contract this year, he's set to become one of the biggest free agents next year. While he claims that his market value has changed as a result of Soto's contract, it remains to be seen if he gets his asking price in the MLB.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opens up on his contract negotiations with the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have been public about their desire to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract this winter.
In an interview with Abriendo Sports, he revealed that while talks have taken place, they have not been fruitful:
“We’ve heard a little from them, but it’s not even close to what we’re looking for.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made it clear that he's hoping to sign an extension, provided that the offer meets his terms. However, the two sides haven't come to an agreement so far. As time drags on, a trade for their star player becomes a real possibility for the Blue Jays.
