Reports: Blue Jays, Guerrero avoid arbitration with one-year contract

By Canadian Press on January 9, 2025.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays and slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have avoided arbitration with a one-year contract worth US$28.5 million, according to multiple media reports on Thursday.

Guerrero, the 25-year-old face of the franchise, hit .323 this past season with 30 homers and 103 RBIs.

But after reaching the post-season in 2020, ’22 and ’23, — falling in the wild-card round each time — Toronto finished last in the American League East last year at 74-88.

The star first baseman was awarded $19.9 million last winter when an arbitration panel picked his request over the team’s offer of $18.05 million.

Guerrero’s best year came in 2021, when he finished second in the AL MVP race after hitting .311 with 48 homers and 111 RBIs.

The Blue Jays will open the 2025 regular season on March 27 against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2025.

The Canadian Press