Blue Jays superstar may be out of Mets’ price range in open market

The New York Mets’ ties to Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may soon come to an end.

Mets: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sets massive salary price

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Guerrero Jr. is seeking half a billion dollars when his free agency arrives (h/t The Sporting News’ Peter Chawaga):

“The number Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wants is $500 million,” Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic. “Not $500 million before deferrals, but $500 million in present value, according to sources briefed on the first baseman’s contract negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays.”

Mets: Guerrero Jr. would run New York’s payroll up

After dropping a record $765 million on Juan Soto in the offseason, New York saw their payroll mount to north of $300 million for the third consecutive season in 2024. They are MLB’s highest-spending team in that span.

Losing superstar power hitter Pete Alonso next fall or winter would counteract a large portion of the 25-year-old’s potential gargantuan annual figure. Nevertheless, he’d be a much more expensive first basemen over the other, though a discernible upgrade as well.

Mets owner Steve Cohen may have to curb his heavy spending to avoid exceeding $400 million including the luxury tax bill for the fourth straight year next time out.

By Matthew Legros

Matt Legros grew up in New York City and has interned for CBS Sports and SNY, and written for ... More about Matthew Legros