Earlier this week, one of the biggest stories in MLB was the Toronto Blue Jays signing first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year contract worth $500 million. There was a chance that if he had not signed his long-term contract during the 2025 MLB season, he would have received a lot of attention from other teams on the open market.
The 26-year-old will put pressure on himself to perform well for Toronto. He has been in the major leagues since the 2019 season, and he has helped the Blue Jays reach the playoffs three times (2020, 2022, and 2023), but they have yet to advance past the Wild Card Rounds.
Former MLB Exec Calls Out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After Extension
Former Miami Marlins president David Samson joined Sportsnet to talk to Jeff Blair and Kevin Barkler about Guerrero’s long-term contract with Toronto. He mentioned the level of pressure he expects to face over time.
“Guerrero is under unprecedented pressure. Forget his father’s shadow; he must lead the Jays to the playoffs,” Samson said.
“There’s pressure on [Vlad Jr.] the likes of which he’s never had before. Forget the shadow of his dad, he’s got to lead the Jays to the playoffs.”@DavidPSamson on the expectations after signing a long-term deal with @SNJeffBlair & Kevin Barker.#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/yrMpJtIexb
His father was one of the best hitters of his generation, winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in 2002. Meanwhile, Guerrero has yet to advance past the Wild Card in his three seasons with Toronto.
The Blue Jays are 8-6 to start the 2025 MLB season, leading the American League East ahead of the New York Yankees (7-6). If Guerrero leads the Blue Jays to the playoffs in 2025, they may have to advance beyond the Wild Card Round. However, if they win the American League East, Toronto has a good chance of getting a first-round bye.
In 14 games with Toronto to begin the 2025 MLB season, he has a.278 batting average, zero home runs, five RBIs, and a.355 on-base percentage. Guerrero’s slow start in 2025 is surprising, but it could be due to his pursuit of a contract.
With the new 14-year, $500 million deal, Guerrero, like Samson, is expected to lead his team to the postseason. The 26-year-old will be with Toronto for the long term, and he will have to live up to his father’s expectations.
The Blue Jays last won the World Series in 1993, and the team is hoping that Guerrero can lead them to many more playoff appearances in the coming years.
