Exact Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extension deadline puts pressure squarely on Ross Atkins’ shoulders
The Toronto Blue Jays seemingly entered the offseason with two goals. They wanted to lure at least one big-name free agent to Toronto, and wanted to lock down an extension with the franchise’s current face, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. So far, Ross Atkins has gone 0-for-2 on those objectives.
The Blue Jays were linked to several high-end free agents including Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried, but whiffed on all three. They’re linked to guys like Roki Sasaki, Anthony Santander, and Alex Bregman, who are still available, but based on Atkins’ track record, can Jays fans really trust him to get any of those players to sign the dotted line?
As for the second priority, that one can still be accomplished, but there is a deadline. Guerrero is open to staying with the Blue Jays long-term and has been open when discussing his desire to be a Blue Jay for a long time, but based on what we know, the two sides are not close on an extension agreement.
With Guerrero’s deadline date now confirmed, Atkins knows just how much time he has left to seal a deal before risking losing the four-time All-Star as a free agent.
Guerrero said he was open to negotiating a potential long-term agreement with the Jays until the first full day of Spring Training. That day is now officially Feb. 18, giving the Jays just a little bit over a month to get something done with Guerrero.
