Get ready for a year of speculation after Jays talks fall through

The Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the superstar first baseman’s self-imposed Monday deadline. The 25-year-old does not wish to negotiate during the season, which means he will hit free agency next winter — and the way things stand this summer does not bode well for the Blue Jays. Guerrero said that the two parties were not close at all to reaching a deal.

“I had my number all along,” Guerrero said on Tuesday. “I changed it a little bit, but still, it just didn’t happen.”

The Mets are likely to be in the mix for Guerrero’s services

For as long as the Mets are owned by Steve Cohen, regardless of his desire to spend less, they will be linked to every big free agent on the market, Guerrero included. Such connections with Guerrero are only strengthened by the Mets reportedly checking in with the Blue Jays for Guerrero over the winter.

The pieces are falling into place for a potential pursuit

While they brought back Pete Alonso on a two-year, $54 million deal, the 30-year-old slugger has an opt-out after a season in which he will make $30 million. It is another chance for him to bet on himself, hit the open market next winter, and get a longer-term contract that he and his agent, Scott Boras, had initially been hoping for.

Guerrero’s market is expected to be massive

Guerrera is poised for a mega pay-day, one that could easily eclipse the $400 million mark. The four-time All-Star batted .323 with a .930 OPS, 30 home runs, and 103 RBI last season. Since debuting in 2019, he possesses a 162-game average of 32 home runs and 100 RBI with a career .863 OPS.

The Mets will have to navigate payroll concerns

Of course, fitting such a big contract on the Mets’ books will not be easy considering they just paid Juan Soto a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million. Granted, their projected payroll drops from its current and approximate $325 million to $260.8 million next year.

For more on the Mets and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., visit AMNY.com

Conclusion

The future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is now a hot topic, and the Mets are likely to be in the mix for his services. With his massive market and potential for a record-breaking contract, it’s clear that the team will have to navigate payroll concerns to make it happen.

FAQs

* What is the status of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract negotiations with the Blue Jays?
The Blue Jays and Guerrero Jr. were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension before his self-imposed Monday deadline.
* Will the Mets be in the mix for Guerrero’s services?
Yes, the Mets are likely to be in the mix for Guerrero’s services given their reported interest in him over the winter and their ability to fit a large contract into their payroll.
* What is Guerrero’s market expected to be?
Guerrero’s market is expected to be massive, with reports suggesting he could easily eclipse the $400 million mark.