Vladimir Guerrero Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was unable to reach a contract extension with the team before the set deadline. Earlier in the offseason, the first baseman set a February 18 deadline for contract discussions to not interfere with spring training. However, both sides were unable to come to an agreement and will now resume talks at the conclusion of the season. The 25-year-old is set to reach free agency following the 2025 campaign and will likely be the top player on the open market. Last season, Guerrero posted an impressive .323/.396/.544 slash line with 30 home runs and two stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated an elite .408 xwOBA, .321 xBA, and a .567 xSLG, which placed him in the 98th percentile among qualified hitters. He has hit at least 30 home runs in three of his previous four campaigns and held an overall .293/.370/.517 line over this stretch. Guerrero should be viewed as the consensus top first baseman in all formats heading into the 2025 campaign.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins acknowledged that talks with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remain ongoing on a potential contract extension with the start of spring training coming next week. Guerrero has reportedly set a self-imposed deadline for contract talks for the start of spring training, and it's been widely reported that he is looking for at least $100 million more than the $340 million deal the Blue Jays reportedly offered earlier this offseason. The implication is that if Toronto doesn't make progress with Guerrero soon, he will leave in free agency after the 2025 season. Contract issues aside, Vladdy Jr. is in his prime offensively and is ranked as RotoBaller's top fantasy first baseman after the four-time All-Star slashed .323/.396/.544 with a .940 OPS, 30 homers and 103 RBI in 159 games last year.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Toronto Blue Jays have no intention of trading first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Nightengale noted that even if the Blue Jays sign free agent Pete Alonso, Guerrero is expected to remain on the roster. If Alonso inks a deal with Toronto, this would likely shift Guerrero back to the hot corner and would provide insurance at first base if Guerrero were to walk in free agency after the 2025 season. Guerrero and the Blue Jays have begun contract discussions but have been unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. Last summer, Guerrero enjoyed an excellent season as he posted a stellar .323/.396/.544 line with 30 home runs and 103 RBI. He generated elite metrics such as a .408 xwOBA, .321 xBA, and a 54.9% hard-hit rate, which were all within the 98th percentile among active hitters. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation, as Alonso would bring another much-needed impact bat to the Toronto starting nine.