Vladimir Guerrero Gets MLB-Record $19.9M Salary Following Arbitration Case Against Blue Jays
Baseball sensation Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has emerged victorious in his arbitration case against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Arbitrators ruled in favor of Guerrero, endorsing the $19.9 million rate sought by his representatives at PRIME. This decision came after the Blue Jays submitted a figure of $18.05 million.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arbitration case marked the most significant of the offseason, with the $1.85 million gap between his filing and the team's proposed rate ranking as the second-largest difference in this arbitration period.
The 24-year-old first baseman's successful arbitration outcome secures a $5.4 million raise from last season.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Meteoric Rise and Accomplishments
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at just 24 years old, has rapidly become one of baseball's premier sluggers, per Bleacher Report.
He posted impressive numbers, hitting .264 with 26 home runs, 94 RBIs, 76 runs, and a .788 OPS in 2023.
While slightly below the extraordinary standards he set in previous seasons, Guerrero remains a three-time All-Star, AL MVP runner-up in 2021, and a Gold Glove winner for his defensive prowess at first base in 2022.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s accolades extend to being the defending Home Run Derby champion and the cover athlete for MLB The Show 24.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arbitration case process has been lucrative, with agreements of $7.9 million in 2022 and $14.5 million last season.
Eligible for arbitration once more before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026, Guerrero's performance places him in a prime position for a major deal, especially if he returns to his 2021 form.
Guerrero has already indicated adjustments to his swing, expressing confidence in an impending outstanding season.
"I improved my mechanics to have as little movement as possible," he stated.
"To the naked eye, you might not even notice. I can tell the difference because I can feel it," he added.
Arbitration Process and Potential Contract Extensions
Securing his case in arbitration brings relief to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., considering the sometimes uncomfortable nature of hearings, where players face comparisons and statistics to justify their salary demands, The Athletic reports.
Although the Blue Jays and Guerrero were less than $2 million apart in their proposals, arbitration is a standard business process in MLB, settled through the league and players union agreement.
However, the situation highlights the ticking clock for the Blue Jays to sign Guerrero or Bo Bichette to long-term extensions before their scheduled free agency after the 2025 season.
Guerrero, going through arbitration for the fourth and final time next season unless a deal is reached, may become part of a strategic decision for the Blue Jays in the coming years.
Toronto Blue Jays' projected payroll is estimated at around $240 million.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arbitration case this year sets the stage for higher discussions next offseason, impacting his path to free agency before the age-27 season.
He was the only Toronto player in arbitration this winter.
Players across the league have won six consecutive hearings after teams initially secured the first two. Currently, there are 10 pending cases.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: "It could get ugly" - Blue Jays to enter arbitration with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - From Breakfast Television