Toronto Blue Jays and Star First Baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not agree on a long -term contract extension on Monday.
Guerrero, 25, set a deadline Monday night for the two sides to come to an agreement on an appointment as Star First Baseman does not plan to negotiate an appointment during the season.
Guerrero said the deal was not concluded due to lack of efforts.
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Toronto Blue Jay’s designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr., #27, sits in Dugout before the start of a game against Miami Marlins at the Rogers Center. (Nick Turchiaro-Imag images)
“The last few days, the front office, my lawyers, my agents, they met both (sides), but of course we couldn’t get a deal,” Guerrero said through an interpreter of the Blue Jay camp on Tuesday.
“We never got to the point where I felt I would make the deal.”
Blue Jay’s General Manager Ross Atkins said despite the conclusion of no deal, the team will still have Guerrero back.
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Toronto Blue Jay’s designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr., #27, goes back to Dugout before the start of a game against Miami Marlins in the Rogers Center. (Nick Turchiaro-Imag images)
“We worked very hard and the motivation is still there,” said Atkins.
“I am convinced that every thought, the idea we had – every dollar we had – was communicated. But we are obviously disappointed not to have got it done. … it does not change our desire. We will certainly be motivated and remain motivated.
Guerrero comes out of a star season when he hit .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI in 159 games.
Toronto Blue Jay’s first Baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., #27, celebrating hitting a single against Miami Marlins during the first place at the Rogers Center. (Nick Turchiaro-Imag images)
If the four-time All Star repeats these numbers this season, he is due to being the top free agent of this year’s class.
If Blue Jays are fighting at the beginning of the season, the team could potentially look at shopping Guerrero at the trading deadline to recover some assets instead of losing him for nothing in free agency.
With his young age and strong production, Guerrero will command a great payday in free agency.
