The Toronto Blue Jays and star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have successfully avoided arbitration, securing a one-year deal worth $28.5 million US.
On Thursday, the Blue Jays announced they had reached agreements with all seven of their arbitration-eligible players. Along with Guerrero, the team signed infielder Ernie Clement ($1.975M), catcher Alejandro Kirk ($4.6M), outfielder Daulton Varsho ($8.2M), and right-handed pitchers Alek Manoah ($2.2M), Zach Pop ($900K), and Nick Sandlin ($1.63M).
Teams and players were set to exchange arbitration figures on Thursday before the agreements were finalized.
Guerrero’s Resurgent Season
Guerrero, 25, bounced back in style last season, batting .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. His performance earned him his fourth All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a sixth-place finish in the American League MVP voting.
As the franchise’s cornerstone player, Guerrero enters his final year of team control in 2025.
Blue Jays at a Crossroads
After postseason appearances in 2020, 2022, and 2023 — all ending in the wild-card round — Toronto finished last in the AL East in 2024 with a 74-88 record.
Last offseason, Guerrero won an arbitration case, securing $19.9 million over the team’s $18.05 million offer. This year’s agreement reflects his ongoing value to the franchise as they aim to rebound from a disappointing season.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to a one-year contract.
Juan Soto set a record for an arbitration-eligible player last year by agreeing to a $31-million deal with the New York Yankees, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s $30-million 2023 contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Soto later became a free agent in November and signed a historic 15-year, $765-million contract with the New York Mets.
At the start of the day, 155 players were eligible for arbitration, with most expected to reach agreements.
For those unable to finalize deals, arbitration hearings are scheduled to take place from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Last winter, players won 9 out of 15 hearings, but teams maintain a dominant record of 353-266 since arbitration began in 1974.
Giménez Excited to Join Blue Jays, Sees Bright Future for Team
The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their roster by acquiring three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez in a trade. Giménez expressed his excitement about joining the team, believing the Blue Jays have the potential for significant success in the upcoming season.
Guerrero’s Journey with the Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who debuted with Toronto in April 2019, initially played third base before transitioning to first base during the shortened 2020 season. His standout year came in 2021, when he hit .311 with 48 home runs and 111 RBIs, earning him a second-place finish in the AL MVP race.
While Guerrero’s offensive numbers dipped slightly in 2022 and 2023, he remained a defensive asset, winning a Gold Glove in 2022. He returned to form in 2024, posting a .940 OPS and a .544 slugging percentage, solidifying his role as a key anchor in the lineup.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Blue Jays are gearing up for the 2025 season, which kicks off on March 27 with a home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. With Giménez now in the mix and Guerrero at the helm, Toronto is poised to compete at the highest level.
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