Vladdy's contract includes $325M signing bonus

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s franchise-record 14-year, $500-million contract extension that became official Wednesday has a unique structure.

The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman's deal includes a $325-million signing bonus, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, who adds $20 million is payable this year, but the rest will be spread out between 2026-39.

MLB's collective bargaining agreement doesn't restrict signing bonuses, but the money is included in a player's average annual value for luxury tax purposes, notes Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

This means Guerrero's AAV will be $35.71 million, with $325 million coming as a signing bonus and $175 million through salary.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the structure "has benefit to the player from a tax perspective" and a "benefit to the club from an accounting perspective," according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun.

While addressing his new pact, Guerrero said he wants to lead Toronto to a championship.

"My goal is to keep working hard and to help the team win a World Series," Guerrero told the media through a translator prior to his team's game against the Boston Red Sox, according to Sportsnet.

The four-time All-Star said that he's always felt at home in Toronto.

"I've never seen this organization as an organization. I've seen it as a family," Guerrero said. "It's been 10-11 years of me being here. ... The team, the city, the fans. This is family. And to tell you the truth, I wasn't feeling going elsewhere to meet new people."

The 26-year-old's deal came together after a lengthy contract standoff that originally ended without an agreement before the player's self-imposed deadline in February.

"If I told you it wasn't a big relief, I would be lying to you," the 2021 AL MVP runner-up said when asked about his feelings now that the extension has been finalized. "It's always been my goal to be here."

Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro acknowledged the pact cements Guerrero's legacy.

"This is a monumental moment in franchise history," Shapiro said in a statement. "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.

"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."