Star heavy gun Vladimir Guerrero Jr. failed to negotiate a contract extension with the Blue Jays before the season, and he is rumored to be on a contract equal to the 15-year $765 million of the Mets' Juan Soto, but he clarified in an interview with ESPN that the total amount he proposed was not even $600 million.
Guerrero Jr. explained the negotiation process and dismissed claims that his salary requirements were comparable to those of Soto's, "It's a lot less than Soto, we're talking about $100 million less than Soto, the same number of years as Soto's, but it's less than $600 million." The final offer we made did not exceed $600 million. ”
"I know the industry, so I've lowered my salary requirements a little bit and shortened my contract, and I'm hoping to sign for 14 years. If they give me 14-15 years, or even 20 years, I'm willing, but only if it makes sense."
Regarding the details of the contract, Guerrero Jr. said that the two sides did exchange salary figures, and the negotiations continued until the last day, but the Blue Jays and my agency team could not reach an agreement on the amount in the end. But as I've always emphasized, even if I don't get the deal done, I won't change my direction, and I still have to keep working hard."
The 25-year-old Guerrero Jr., who was unable to agree on a contract extension with the Blue Jays before spring training, and he could enter the free agent market at the end of this season, Guerrero Jr. had a strong batting average and 1.105 attack index in eight games, hitting one home run and contributing four RBIs.