With the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2024 season wrapped up, it’s time to look forward and focus on keeping their slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. According to Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez, signing Vladdy will be crucial to their success in the future. Guerrero revamped his 2023 season and has demonstrated how he is once again the leader of the squad. Vladdy is under team control until 2025. So, signing him to a long-term contract is needed, but it is an issue. But locking him in for 2025 is where the window opens. Overall, the outcome may again result in Vladdy going to arbitration. Before this season, Vladdy won his arbitration case on February 7th banking $19.9 million for this season.
Buck Martinez believes signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the key to getting the Blue Jays back on track. 🔑 pic.twitter.com/65gNl3EMk5
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 30, 2024
Blue Jays Signing Slugger Will Be Key To Sucess For 2025
Vladdy’s Successful 2024 Season
He finished this season batting .323 with 103 RBIs, and 30 home runs. He was also just shy of reaching 200 hits with 199. Vladdy was close to joining the list of former Blue Jays players to reach the 200-hit milestone mark. Tony Fernandez (213), Paul Molitor (211), Shannon Stewart (202), and John Olerud (200). Vladdy is a four-time All-Star, a Homerun Derby champ (2023), a 2022 AL Gold Glove winner for first base, and a 2021 All-Star MVP. Without Vladdy the Blue Jays’ chances of being a contending team will diminish.
With all the downfalls for the Blue Jays this season, Vladdy is the bright side of things to shine a light on. But Vladdy is also close to testing free agency. The Blue Jays could trade him following an arbitration case if they believe his eyes are set on free agency. But the Blue Jays must also focus on getting more veteran offensive hitters to complement Vladdy. The Blue Jays can’t be successful with just one solid slugger. Vladdy needs backup and clutch hitters to follow in his footsteps.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
