Shortly after the clock struck midnight, the Toronto Blue Jays and 27-year-old first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. came to terms on a 14-year $500 million contract extension. Reports have indicated that unlike other deals, there will be no deferred money. The contract will begin in 2026 after the Blue Jays and Guerrero have duked it out in arbitration since 2022. 

Debuting in 2019, he finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting and officially broke out after the shortened 2020 season. Across 2021 and 2022, he posted a 10.5 WAR, amassed 363 hits, 80 home runs, and 208 RBI and slashed .292/.370/.539. During this stretch, he earned two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove and finished second in the AL MVP race. Although he had a down year in 2023, he bounced back in 2024 with 199 hits, 30 home runs, 103 RBI and a .323/.396/.544 slash line.

According to Spotrac, once the contract is in effect, Guerrero will account for 14.64% of the Blue Jays' available luxury tax space. While the 27-year-old may seem like an overpay, it's a necessary move for a franchise that narrowly missed out on signing superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki in recent years. This signing also sends a clear message to potential free agents: the Blue Jays are willing to invest heavily to secure the players they desire. Whether the strategy pays off will remain to be seen.