Vladimir Guerrero’s stratospheric figures and his flirtation with the Big Apple before free agency: the $500M man

The future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr is well and truly up in the air, with the Toronto Blue Jays infielder to enter free agency after the 2025 MLB season, as things stand.

The Canadian-Dominican star was unable to reach a long-term agreement with the Canadian team before the start of spring training, despite both parties wanting to. And it all comes down to money.

Vladimir Guerrero’s MLB salary demands

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Guerrero is chasing a contract the Blue Jays haven’t come close to offering. $500 million is reported to be the magic number, with Guerrero looking to earn that mind-boggling figure in present value.

Toronto have put a $500 million deal in front of the 26-year-old, says the New York Post, although it includes significant deferrals, which Guerrero isn’t willing to accept.

As a result, free agency looks almost certain to be the next step for the four-time All-Star. In an interview with MLB reporter Yancen Pujols, Guerrero revealed he would speak to every single team in the league, including the New York Yankees, the only one he mentioned by name.

Guerrero’s complicated relationship with the Yankees

Does that mean a switch to the Big Apple is his preferred option?

At this stage, it’s difficult to know, although the Yankees being singled out may be more related to the fact Guerrero has previously spoken of his dislike for The Brox Bombers, which stems back to when his father, Vladimir Guerrero (Sr), played in the MLB (between 1996 and 2011).

“When I was a child with my dad, and like all (players’) kids I was in front of the dugout, and somebody from the Yankees told my dad that ‘you gotta take your kid (inside). You can’t be on the field,’” Guerrero revealed. “I felt bad. And it stood with me.”

Years later, the first baseman could end up calling New York home, unless the Blue Jays are willing to stump up some extra cash in the short term.

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