The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn’t find common ground on a contract extension this offseason. That means, barring a last-minute change, the slugging first baseman is on track to hit free agency in 2026.
That’s a big deal.
Guerrero is one of baseball’s brightest stars, and when he hits the open market, he won’t be short on suitors. But one team already stands out as a potential landing spot: the New York Yankees.
A Blockbuster Deal in the Making?
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, the Yankees could be among the top contenders for Guerrero’s signature. It makes sense. New York has the money, the market power, and—most importantly—a need for a game-changing bat.
Spotrac projects Guerrero’s next contract at 12 years, $427 million if he signs next offseason. But given his age and upside, don’t be surprised if that number creeps past the $500 million mark by the time teams start making offers.
For New York, this isn’t just about adding another star. It’s about replacing Juan Soto, who may not be in pinstripes much longer. If Soto walks in free agency, Guerrero could step in as the Yankees’ new offensive centerpiece alongside Aaron Judge.
Yankees’ History of Chasing Big Names
The Yankees don’t sit out when superstars hit the market. That’s just not how they operate.
From Reggie Jackson to Alex Rodriguez, and most recently, Gerrit Cole, the Bronx Bombers have never shied away from spending big to secure top-tier talent. The Steinbrenners know what sells in New York, and few names in baseball shine as brightly as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Plus, the Yankees have the resources to outbid almost anyone. The franchise is valued at over $7 billion, and their deep-pocketed ownership wouldn’t hesitate to make Guerrero an offer he can’t refuse.
What Would a Yankees-Guerrero Deal Look Like?
Here’s the tricky part—just how much will it cost to land Guerrero?
Let’s compare his projected contract to some recent mega-deals:
| Player | Team | Contract | Length | Average Annual Value (AAV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Dodgers | $700M | 10 years | $70M (Deferred) |
| Aaron Judge | Yankees | $360M | 9 years | $40M |
| Bryce Harper | Phillies | $330M | 13 years | $25.4M |
| Mookie Betts | Dodgers | $365M | 12 years | $30.4M |
If Guerrero commands $500 million over 12-15 years, that would put him in the upper echelon of MLB contracts. But considering his age (he’ll be just 27 at the start of a new deal) and the inflation of superstar salaries, that figure doesn’t seem outlandish.
One thing is certain: If the Yankees are serious, they’ll be ready to spend big.
Would Guerrero Jr. Consider Playing in New York?
This is where things get interesting.
Guerrero has been vocal in the past about his disdain for the Yankees. In 2022, he famously declared that he would “never sign with the Yankees, not even dead.”
But money changes things.
New York has a history of turning former Yankee haters into beloved franchise faces. Johnny Damon, a Red Sox legend, signed with the Yankees in 2006 after years of being a thorn in their side. Roger Clemens, once a fierce rival, ended up in pinstripes too.
If the Yankees come with a record-setting offer, Guerrero might reconsider his stance.
Will the Blue Jays Try to Keep Him?
Toronto still has time to lock Guerrero up, but the clock is ticking.
The Blue Jays have been reluctant to hand out massive long-term contracts, and if they weren’t willing to extend Guerrero this offseason, there’s little reason to believe they’ll match the offers he’ll receive in free agency.
Guerrero’s departure would be a devastating blow to Toronto. But unless the front office changes its approach, it’s hard to imagine him staying put.
The Bottom Line
If Guerrero does hit the open market, the Yankees will be watching closely.
With a deep wallet, a need for a superstar bat, and a win-now mentality, New York is poised to be a top bidder. It all depends on how far they’re willing to go.
One thing is certain—when a player like Guerrero becomes available, the Yankees don’t sit on the sidelines.
