In a surprising turn of events, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a historic contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, keeping him with the team for the next 14 years, for the impressive sum of 500 million dollars. This agreement not only marks a milestone for the Dominican-born Canadian slugger but also becomes the largest contract in the history of the franchise, surpassing George Springer’s extension of 150 million dollars. The news has captured the attention of fans and analysts, sparking comparisons with other multimillion-dollar contracts, including that of Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 700 million dollars.
Guerrero, who debuted in the Major Leagues in 2019, has been a cornerstone for the Toronto Blue Jays, standing out as one of the most feared hitters in MLB. Throughout his short but stellar career, he has been selected for the All-Star Game multiple times, and his offensive production places him among the league’s best. However, with the signing of this contract, an important question arises: Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as valuable as Ohtani to justify such a massive extension?
The unstoppable rise of Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has proven to be one of the most consistent and talented players in the league, with impressive statistics throughout his career. In 2024, he recorded 199 hits in 159 games, with a batting average of .323, 103 RBIs, and 30 home runs. Additionally, in 2021, he reached his peak with 48 home runs, solidifying his place as one of the most prominent figures in MLB. His ability to make solid contact and generate power at the plate is undeniable, and his contract extension with the Blue Jays reflects the trust the organization has in his long-term potential.
However, in Shohei Ohtani’s case, the situation is different. Ohtani is not only a prodigious hitter but also one of the most outstanding pitchers in modern baseball, giving him double the value as a two-way player. Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a superstar in MLB, combining offensive and defensive skills with impressive performance on the mound. This versatility makes him a much more valuable asset and, therefore, a more justified candidate to receive a 700 million dollar contract.
Is the price right for Guerrero Jr.?
Although the comparison to Ohtani is inevitable, Guerrero Jr.’s extension with the Blue Jays is grounded in solid reasoning. His ability to be a long-term star and his popularity within the franchise and among Canadian fans make him an undisputed asset for Toronto. The Blue Jays are not only securing the future of their offensive lineup but also investing in a player who could lead the team to the top of Major League Baseball for many years to come. However, the pressure of this contract will be high, and the expectation is that Guerrero Jr. will continue to improve and maintain a level of performance that justifies such an investment.
Meanwhile, multimillion-dollar contracts, like those of Ohtani and Guerrero Jr., reflect a changing paradigm in MLB, where teams are willing to spend large sums to secure players who can be the face of the franchise for over a decade. When comparing the largest contracts in MLB history, we see that Guerrero Jr. joins an exclusive list alongside other notable names, such as Juan Soto (765 million dollars with the New York Mets), Shohei Ohtani (700 million dollars with the Los Angeles Dodgers), Mike Trout (426.5 million dollars with the Los Angeles Angels), and Mookie Betts (365 million dollars with the Dodgers). These contracts not only reflect the talent of these players but also the value that teams place on their futures and the impact they expect to have on their franchises.
Read the full article here
