Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ All-Star hitter, became a topic of trade rumors leading up to the MLB deadline, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring him. However, despite the speculation, he remains with the Blue Jays, though questions about his long-term future with the team persist.

The 2024 season didn’t start well for the two-time Silver Slugger winner. From March 28 to April 30, Guerrero posted a disappointing .229/.331/.347 slash line with just 3 home runs in 136 plate appearances. However, he bounced back strongly, finishing the season with a .345/.412/.590 line, 27 home runs, and 92 RBIs over his final 561 plate appearances.

Despite Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being mentioned in trade rumors ahead of the deadline, he made it clear that he wanted to stay with the Blue Jays, and the team’s front office chose not to trade him. Both Guerrero and the Blue Jays are hopeful of reaching a multi-year contract extension, but it could come at a significant cost for Toronto.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that a contract extension for Guerrero is expected to cost the Blue Jays at least $350 million.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is arbitration-eligible in 2025 and will hit MLB free agency in 2026. While a contract length isn’t specified, the top-paid first basemen in MLB are earning less than $28 million annually. If Guerrero Jr. were to sign a 10-year extension with the Blue Jays, extending his contract through his age-36 season, he would become by far the highest-paid player at his position.

The situation is further complicated by Toronto’s interest in Juan Soto, who is seeking a contract worth well over $600 million. While it remains unlikely that the Blue Jays will land the All-Star outfielder, missing out on Soto could open the door for a Guerrero Jr. extension. If not, Guerrero could find himself at the center of more MLB trade rumors next year.