Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says his request to Blue Jays was for less than $600 million
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says his proposal for a long-term contract with the Toronto Blue Jays was for less than $600 million.
In an interview to ESPN, the four-time All-Star disputed speculation he sought a deal similar to the $765 million, 15-year contract that Juan Soto agreed to with the New York Mets. Guerrero, who turns 26 on March 16, agreed in January to a $28.5 million, one-year contract and can become a free agent after the World Series. He cut off talks on a long-term deal when he reported to spring training last month.
Guerrero was quoted by ESPN in a report posted Thursday as saying he had asked for the same contract length as Soto but “we’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less.” Guerrero noted that his last offer “didn’t reach $600 (million)” and that he eventually lowered his request on the length of a deal to 14 years.
Guerrero hit .323 with a .396 on-base percentage, .544 slugging percentage, 30 homers and 103 RBIs in 159 games last season. He has hit .288 with a .363 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, 160 homers and 507 RBIs in 819 career regular-season games, all with Toronto.
