For the third consecutive year in a row, a high profile player will headline the free agent class. In 2023 it was Shoehi Ohtani. In 2024 it was Juan Soto. And now for 2025 it will be current Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

After not reaching a deal at the deadline he laid out, which was right before Spring Training games, he will now test free agency and now be available for all other 29 teams.

This is the least ideal scenario for the Blue Jays. It was all but expected that this could be the final year for him in the great country of Canada, but it’s truly a shame that they’ve reached this point. How they got here is mind boggling and it’s frustrating for Blue Jays Nation that this is the final verdict.

Life With Vlad in the Fold

What a time it’s been having Vladdy in Toronto Blue. The window busted wide open and the core was led by Vladdy and Bo Bichette in the hopes of competing and winning a championship. Credit to the Blue Jays front office, they’ve added pieces around this group such as George Springer, Kevin Gausman to name a few. Since Vladdy has become a member of the team, they have a record of 445-425, good for a .511 winning percentage. They have had two 90+ winning seasons, but have yet to get over the playoff hump and win a single playoff game.

Now, the team is in uncharted waters and the future remains murky. Bichette and Vladdy are free agents and the team is either going to undergo a rebuild or a retool. But there is no denying that the Blue Jays SHOULD pay Vladdy whatever he wants and allow him to be the face of the franchise.

Pay that Man Handsomely

The Blue Jays should have never let it gotten this far. This is your franchise player and your fearless leader that all players should want to go to battle with. He made it crystal clear that he will negotiate his contract prior to Spring Training and that he had his number in mind. After seeing what Soto got on the open market, it was salivating for a player like Vlad, who will enter free agency at 26 years old. Is he the same caliber of talent as Soto? Not necessarily, but still a player in his prime.

Back in December, the Blue Jays offered a deal that was worth $340 million and was not close to what he was seeking. That still would’ve been the largest contract handed out by the Blue Jays franchise, but Vlad is likely seeking a deal that starts in the $400 million range and could escalate higher than that. But this team SHOULD be willing to go the distance with him.

This is the same franchise that went the distance for Ohtani, and in fact went ahead and offered the same structured deal as the Dodgers did. They also made a strong push for Soto, making it into the final four teams remaining. If you are willing to break the bank for external pieces, you should be able to break the bank for your star homegrown talent. But that hasn’t been the case. Vlad touched on this after the deadline came and went.

“They had their numbers, I had my numbers,” he said. “It’s just business, like I always say. Things happen. We’re all good.”

Now they’ll have to compete with 29 other teams for his services, which clearly didn’t go well this winter. They lost out on Soto, Max Fried, and Corbin Burnes. When all is said and done he’s worth it and he proved that time and time again.

He is Worth All the Money

He is worth every penny that you throw his way. He is the player you do break the bank for and is in the prime of his career. Good days are still ahead for him and the Blue Jays will want that presence around.

In 2024, he slashed .323/.396/.544 and had 44 doubles and 30 home runs. His .940 OPS was the second highest of his career, just shy of his best that was 1.002 in 2021. Also, his 165 wRC+ was his best output since 2021, showing how dominant he was offensively. The bats for the Jays were down in 2024, but he never skipped a beat.

His career slash line is great, as he is hitting .288/.363/.500/.863 with 137 wRC+. He is a great bat, makes hard contact and creates offense. For any team looking to add some pop to their lineup, he is the perfect addition to the team.

Savor the moments Jays fans, cause the farewell tour is only beginning, unless the front office changes their tune and makes a legitimate offer and he changes his mind.