Bryce Harper is aware of expertise when he sees it, and he couldn’t resist highlighting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as considered one of his favourite gamers. His reward comes at a pivotal time, as Guerrero is deep in contract negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Counters Blue Jays’ Provide With a $565M Proposal
In a latest interview, Harper was requested to call 5 gamers he’d pay to observe. His checklist included Aaron Decide, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and pitcher Zack Wheeler, however his feedback about Guerrero stood out.
Los cinco jugadores por los que Bryce Harper pagaría una boleta para verlos en el terreno. Aquí lo cube el caballete de los Filis de Filadelfia. Hay dos dominicanos en la lista. Ya you recognize. pic.twitter.com/nQwvBgFOlp
— Yancen Pujols (@YancenPujols) March 23, 2025
“Aaron Decide, the best way he sort of swings the bat and his demeanor on the dwelling plate. Shohei, clearly an awesome participant … the best way he sort of performs and does his job. I really like watching Vladdy hit. I simply love his little wiggle that he has. I put Juan Soto on there, clearly. Pitcher-wise, most likely Zack Wheeler,” Harper stated.
Harper’s remarks got here as stories swirled about whether or not the Blue Jays would decide to Guerrero long-term; he’s looking for an enormous deal, and it’s unsure if Toronto will lock him down or if he’ll attain free company.
In line with stories, the Blue Jays provided about $500 million for Harper. After considering deferred funds, the current worth is estimated to be between $400 and $450 million.
In the meantime, Guerrero responded with a virtually $600 million proposal for 14 years, amounting to $565 million, stressing his want for a contract that mirrors his worth with out heavy deferrals.
Talking with ESPN’s Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero supplied readability on the continuing contract negotiations earlier in March.
“It’s a lot lower than Soto. We’re speaking about many fewer thousands and thousands than Soto, Greater than 100 million much less. … It was the identical variety of years [as Soto’s contract], nevertheless it didn’t attain [$600 million].
“The final quantity we gave them as a counteroffer didn’t attain 600. I do know the enterprise. I lowered the wage calls for a bit, however I additionally lowered the variety of years … I’m on the lookout for 14 [years]. I would love 14, 15, even 20 if they provide them to me, however doing it the best means.”
He had a sensational season in 2024 MLB, hitting a batting common of .323 with 199 hits, 30 homers, and 103 RBIs in 159 video games. It was a exceptional achievement, which secured him his second Silver Slugger Award and sixth place within the AL MVP voting.
In January 2025, Guerrero and the Blue Jays finalized a one-year contract valued at $28.5 million, efficiently avoiding arbitration. This deal is now the third-largest arbitration settlement ever in MLB.
