Without Ohtani the Jays will focus on Guerrero Jr

An arbitrator will settle Guerrero Jr.'s case

Several Toronto Blue Jays players avoided salary arbitration Thursday by agreeing to one-year deals, but that's not the case with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The latter will therefore seek the help of a referee to sign his next contract with the Queen City club.

• Also read: Shohei Ohtani: Blue Jays GM still has it in his throat

According to the Sportsnet network, the 30-year-old Ontario native will earn a salary of $7.75 million in 2024. The big right-hander is one of the best relief pitchers in Major League Baseball and has made 36 saves in his last two seasons. He was invited to the All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023.

The Jays also signed catcher Danny Jansen ($5.2 million), who shared behind-the-plate duties with Alejandro Kirk last year. The American had his best batting season of his career with 53 RBIs and 17 home runs.

Relievers Tim Mayza ($3.59 million) and Erik Swanson ($2.75 million) and handyman Cavan Biggio ($4.21 million) avoided arbitration by signing contracts with a term of signed one year.

Other Jays players such as Daulton Varsho ($5.6 million) and Kirk ($2.8 million) also agreed with the Toronto team.