Shapiro optimistic Blue Jays will extend Guerrero
Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro remains confident the club will find a way to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the long haul.
"When it comes to Vlad's contractual situation, I guess my overarching feeling is one of optimism," Shapiro said Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. "I think we're going to sign him. I think we're going to extend him. The reason I feel that way is because we have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome."
The two sides couldn't agree on a long-term extension before Guerrero's self-imposed deadline in February. Guerrero said he's focused on the 2025 season and plans to test free agency after the campaign.
"Vlad wants to play his whole career as a Toronto Blue Jay," Shapiro said. We want him to end his career in a Blue Jays uniform, to be a true legacy player for the Toronto Blue Jays. That's a pretty good place to start."
The Blue Jays reportedly offered Guerrero a contract for around $500 million, with deferrals putting the current value between $400 million and $450 million.
The 25-year-old is said to be looking for a contract with a present value of $500 million.
"The challenge has been that area we've talked about before: finding the sweet spot of sharing risk," Shapiro said. "What defines that sweet spot? Different contracts, different moments in time that make it more of a challenge or less of a challenge. Ultimately, sometimes free agency provides the clearest answer to that."
Guerrero said in early March that he's seeking a 14-year contract worth less than the $765-million megadeal Juan Soto received from the New York Mets.
Guerrero also remains positive about potentially working out a deal.
"I've always felt good about the whole thing," he said in response to Shapiro's comments, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae. "I'm good with that. Just going to keep working very hard and be optimistic too.
"Not going to shut the door on them. ... I'll be open. But I'm going to leave that to my agents to work with that. If there's something there, they're going to continue to work with that. I'm just going to be on the field, focusing on my teammates, on my team, on my game."
The four-time All-Star is coming off an excellent 2024 season at the plate. Guerrero hit 30 homers with 103 RBIs and a .940 OPS over 159 games to earn the second Silver Slugger of his career.