Blue Jays looking within to make offseason splash

The Toronto Blue Jays have been unsuccessful in their attempts to lure free agents north of the border. Instead, the Blue Jays may look to make that sought-after splash within their organization.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Blue Jays are looking to extend first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rosenthal also suggested that an extension worth between $500 million and $600 million is realistic.

Guerrero put together arguably his best season last year. He posted a .323/.396/.544 batting line in his 697 plate appearances, hitting 30 homers and a career-best 44 doubles. Guerrero made his fourth All-Star Game, won his second Silver Slugger award and finished sixth in the AL MVP vote.

Talks regarding an extension are nothing new. The Blue Jays and Guerrero had reportedly discussed a long-term deal early in the 2023 season but were unable to come to an agreement. Guerrero, for his part, has said that he wants to spend his entire career with the Blue Jays. Both sides are seemingly interested in an extension.

The problem involves finding the right number. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com opined that Juan Soto's record-breaking contract drastically moved the bar for Guerrero's earning power. Spotrac projects that Guerrero has a market value worth a 12-year contract for just over $427 million; those numbers may be the starting point for an extension.

Extending Guerrero could work to the Blue Jays' benefit in other ways. Players may be reluctant to sign as Guerrero and shortstop Bo Bichette are a year away from free agency. Locking in their star first baseman would show that the Blue Jays are committed to competing for a playoff berth going forward and may help those recruiting efforts.