Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says that the team’s counteroffer on a new contract extension was much less than what Juan Soto received in free agency.
Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, and recently said that the Blue Jays were one of five teams that offered him more than that, but he ultimately decided to sign with the Mets.
Without a new deal, the 25-year-old Guerrero will hit free agency after the season.
‘It’s much less than Soto. We’re talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. … It was the same number of years [as Soto’s contract], but it didn’t reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn’t reach 600,’ Guerrero said to ESPN.
‘I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years. I’m looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way.’
Guerrero said he will concentrate on the season and worry about the contract later. The four-time All-Star hit .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI last season for Toronto.
‘There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline, but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero’s agents] couldn’t reach an agreement on the numbers,’ Guerrero said. ‘But as I’ve always said, just because we couldn’t reach an agreement, I’m not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working,’ he added.