The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly been given a deadline till the start of the 2025 season by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to offer him an extension in the range he is looking for. As per previous reports, the team was $100 million away from the mark.
However, MLB insider Hector Gomez relayed a report by former player Carlos Baerga according to whom the team will be successful in keeping the All-Star infielder. As per Baerga, the Blue Jays feel they can be contenders and their signing of Anthony Santander is the first step in that process.
"Breaking news: The signing of Anthony Santander with Toronto today guaranteed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that the team wants to win and do not be surprised that before Spring Training begins he is signing a contract with the Toronto Bluejays of over 450 million to 550 million," Baerga wrote in Spanish.
Santander, a former outfielder in the Baltimore Orioles setup, Blue Jays' divisional rivals, penned a five-year $92.5 million deal with the Canadian team. There's an opt-out option attached to the contract with a possible $17.5 million sixth-year option available for the team.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s extension can have ripple effects for Pete Alonso
The New York Mets have been heavily rumored in the last few days to draw up a trade package that would lure Toronto to deal Vladimir Guerreo Jr. if an extension was off the cards. This was also in line with the Mets giving up the chase for their 4x All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso.
But with the extension talks reportedly rolling again between the Dominican and the Blue Jays, there is chatter that the Mets are back in the sweepstakes for Pete Alonso. As per Robert Murray's report:
"That belief stemmed from a reported three-year offer in the $68-70 million range, is valid. But the reality is that Alonso's return to the Mets is still on the table. The two sides have talked recently, and it's clear that each side is the best fit for each other."
Alonso last winter had rejected a seven-year $158 million extension from New York. The slugger and his agent Scott Boras have found it incredibly tough to get good offers from the market. On the other hand, a more well-rounded at-bat playing in the same position as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who also has age on his side, has plenty of takers.