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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Puts ‘Tense’ Arbitration Behind, Declares Lifelong Loyalty and ‘No Grudge’ to Blue Jays

Published 03/01/2024, 9:30 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Toronto Blue Jays’ designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains firm. The 24-year-old exceptional first baseman earlier filed a case against his very own team, claiming a certain amount as his arbitration salary. According to the report, he finally won the case and created history by acquiring the highest amount of arbitration salary. Though he had to take the assistance of the legal proceedings to prosper his bank, he personally brushed off any hard feelings for his team and expressed his interest in being associated with the team for the rest of his career.

According to a recent post by the MLB insider, Héctor Gómez, the designated hitter of the Blue Jays, intends to look forward, overlooking the hard days of a legal battle with his very own team.

Vladimir’s devotion to the team exemplifies his uniqueness

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Gomez’s post on the X platform noted, “I have no grudge against the Blue Jays, despite the tense negotiations I had with the team during the salary arbitration. I would like to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career, but the team has not made me an offer,” indicating Vladimir’s loyalty to his team. Vladimir himself identified it as a business during an interview after winning the case, stating, “It’s part of the business, so no hard feelings.”

https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1763226766821167272?s=20

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The slugger filed the case against the Toronto Blue Jays, claiming $19.9 million as his arbitration salary. While the team agreed to proceed with $18.05 million before the case, Vladimir’s case allowed him to become the highest claimer of the arbitration salary in a case of hearing. Vladimir, who posted a .264 last season with 26 homers and 94 RBIs, earned $14.5 million in 2023. Now, as he will be associated with the team until 2026, he depicted an enthusiastic approach towards the team, highlighting his soft feelings for the team.

When asked about the same, the Canadian hitter brought forth his team spirit, stating, “I understand it’s part of the process for both sides,” Guerrero said. “In the end, you turn the page, and it’s all good. I’ll be ready to go in ’24,” indicating his ever-enthusiastic approach. Moreover, despite the’ tensed’ situation, the three-time All-Star also expressed his interest in getting associated with the team for the rest of his life. However, it is still under maze whether the team is interested in extending Vladimir’s offer after 2025.

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Will Vladimir’s devotion pay off?

Though one of the best youth hitters showed enough interest in getting associated with the team in the long term, the team has yet to convey any information about the same.

However, given the fact that the slugger who agreed to a $7.9 million in 2022 and a $14.5 million deal in the last season will become eligible for another arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the 2025 off-season, the team has enough reason to offer him a deal extension.

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Thus, the fans have to wait until then to discover whether they will find Vladimir in a Blue jersey in the 2026 season or not.

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Written by:

Sayantika Roy

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Sayantika is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Post her experiences in Web Stories, Sayantika transitioned to a full-time MLB author, actively covering two prime events - 2023-24 Free Agency and 2024 Spring Training. Sayantika developed an interest in the realms of Major leagues when the two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, grabbed the world's attention with his staggering deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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