The vibes surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays are much better after they were able to lock Vladimir Guerrero Jr. up to a 14-year extension.
There was plenty of worry amongst Jays fans that Guerrero, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, would be wearing a different uniform in 2026. Instead, he and the Jays were able to agree on a deal that will pay him $500 million.
The first baseman, who has been the face of the franchise for years, was always adamant that he wanted to remain in Toronto. He has since proven that by signing the deal, and sent out an inspiring message to Blue Jays faithful on Wednesday afternoon.
“This was always home. This is where I first fell in love with the game. Where my childhood dream got closer to reality,” Guerrero said. “Where I learned how to be a pro. Where the dream of becoming a baseball player like my dad came true. From day one, you embraced me as one of yours. We have made memories together that I will remember forever.
“But we still have many more memories to make. Memories that we will make together for the years to come. This was always my home. I am home.”
Home is Toronto.
Home is Canada.
Home is Here.Voiced by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 🇨🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/CwfhRrzlij
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 9, 2025
Getting this deal done also takes a lot of heat off GM Ross Atkins, who very likely would have been fired had they not worked something out. Suffice to say, he is quite relieved the two sides were able to put pen to paper.
“Franchise players like Vlad don’t come along very often,” Atkins said in a press release. “He has already reached impressive performance levels, and his future is even brighter. Vlad has been embraced by the City of Toronto and Canada since day one and we’re thrilled he’s with us for the long term. His ability to excel at the pinnacle of the game is matched by his passion for it and the joy he brings to the field every day.”
Meanwhile, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro, who has also been facing plenty of heat, also spoke about how excited he is to have the 26-year-old slugger locked up.
“This is a monumental moment in franchise history. Vlad has been part of our Blue Jays family since he was 16 years old and has captured the heart of our city and country,” Shapiro said.
“There are very few in the game today that can say they have played for more than two decades with the same team, and we are immensely grateful Blue Jays fans will get to see Vlad finish his career where it all began. The name Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will forever be synonymous with the Toronto Blue Jays.”
With Guerrero’s deal out of the way, the focus now turns to Bo Bichette, who is also set to be a free agent at the end of the season. After a down year in 2024, he returned to his old self early in 2025, hitting .313 through his first 12 games.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
