The Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with their superstar first baseman, Vlad Guerrero Jr., by signing him to a one-year, US$14.5 million contract.
Blue Jays can avoid arbitration with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but not with Bo Bichette
You can read also: Rumors: The Mets want the former NL MVP to replace Trea Turner
Even though that was good news for the team, the one player they couldn’t sign to a contract is a possible source of tension and worry.
The Jays and shortstop Bo Bichette couldn’t come to a deal, so Bichette will go to an arbitration hearing.
On January 30, that process is set to start. Bichette is going through the arbitration process for the first time.
The Jays made a lot of deals on Friday, with Guerrero‘s being the biggest. The team also agreed to contracts with 11 players for 2023.
The second-richest player on the list was closer Jordan Romano, who got $4,537,500. Next was catcher Danny Jansen, who got $3.5 million.
See more: Jim Harbaugh response to Santa Ono’s Statement
The Jays and Guerrero’s main goal will be to sign one of the team’s most valuable players to a long-term contract. After the 2025 season, Guerrero will be able to sign with any team he wants. However, the team’s general manager, Ross Atkins, has said that a deal needs to be made well before then.
The other contracts signed on Friday were with infielder Cavan Biggio ($2.8 million), right-handed relief pitcher Adam Cimber ($3.15 million), infielder Santiago Espinal ($2.1 million), left-handed reliever Tim Mayza ($2.1 million), right-handed reliever Trevor Richards ($1.5 million), right-handed reliever Erik Swanson ($1.24 million), right-handed reliever Trent Thornton ($1 million), and outfielder Daulton Varsho ($3.05 million).
