If the Toronto Blue Jays want to reach an agreement with their star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and avoid arbitration, they will need to act quickly.
The mediation meeting between both sides will take place on Tuesday unless they can agree on a new contract by then.
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As the Sportsnet network recalled, the Jays often managed to bypass the courtroom at the last minute, which can cause great damage to the relationship between the player and the team. They notably signed Josh Donaldson to a two-year deal in 2016 and Bo Bichette to a three-year deal last year.
What doesn't bode well in this specific case, however, is the lack of talks between the “Vladdy” clan and the Toronto team since January 11th. That day, the team made a one-year offer of $18.05 million, while the Montreal native was asking $19.9 million. In 2023 he will earn $14.5 million.
The son of former Montreal Expos star Vladimir Guerrero is eligible for full autonomy at the end of the 2025 season and risks being tempted to continue his career elsewhere if his interactions with the Jays turn sour.
Last season, the Blue Jays' No. 27 hitter had 159 hits, including 26 home runs and 30 doubles, in 602 plate appearances, totaling 94 RBIs and a .264 batting average. He helped his team qualify for the playoffs, with Toronto finishing third in the American Baseball League East with a record of 89-73.