AGREEMENT: Blue Jays discussing a huge signed deal
Vladimir Guerrero’s impressive 22-game hitting streak ended in Sunday’s loss to the Oakland Athletics, but it solidified his place among baseball’s elite. During this streak, the Toronto Blue Jays first baseman posted a remarkable .494/.558/1.025 slash line, with 10 home runs, 22 RBIs, and 24 runs scored. Guerrero became the first player since 1937 to record 35 or more hits, 10 or more doubles, 10 or more home runs, and 10 or more walks in a 20-game span—a feat previously achieved only by Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio.
As Guerrero approaches the final year of arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent in 2026, TSN Baseball Insider Steve Phillips emphasizes the importance of the Blue Jays securing an extension for the 25-year-old. Phillips predicts that Guerrero will likely seek a 10-year deal, aiming for an annual salary between $25 and $30 million. Phillips also points out that securing a long-term contract is crucial, as it would be difficult for Toronto to attract top-tier free agents otherwise.
Phillips urges the Blue Jays’ front office to start negotiations with Guerrero as soon as the season ends to avoid letting him test free agency, where his price could rise even further.
Comparing Guerrero’s potential contract to deals like Freddie Freeman’s six-year, $127 million agreement with the Dodgers and Matt Olson’s eight-year, $168 million contract with the Braves, Phillips stresses that the Blue Jays need to act quickly to lock in their star player.
Currently hitting .319 with 23 home runs and 76 RBIs, Guerrero is on track for his best season since 2021, when he hit 48 home runs and finished second in the AL MVP race. He ranks highly in several offensive categories, including seventh in the AL for Offensive WAR (4.5), fourth in batting average (.319), seventh in OPS (.934), and second in hits (144), trailing only Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr.
Phillips believes that Guerrero’s recent adjustments at the plate will keep him performing at an elite level for the remainder of the season, noting the noticeable improvement in his confidence and demeanor. Over his six-year career, Guerrero has accumulated 153 home runs, 480 RBIs, and 446 runs scored, with a .285/.360/.498 slash line. He is a four-time All-Star, one-time Gold Glove winner, and one-time Silver Slugger.