DUNEDIN, Fla. — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has confirmed his intention to enter free agency after this season. This decision comes after he missed the deadline on Tuesday to finalize a long-term contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

At just 25 years old and a four-time All-Star, Guerrero had previously indicated that he would end negotiations upon reporting to spring training. “In the last few days, there were discussions between the front office, my lawyers, and agents. Both sides made attempts, but we couldn’t come to an agreement,” Guerrero communicated through interpreter Hector Lebron while at Blue Jays camp. “At no point did we reach a stage where I felt compelled to finalize the deal.”

Currently, Guerrero is under a one-year contract worth $28.5 million, and he is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents come the offseason. This situation unfolds just a year after Juan Soto secured a groundbreaking 15-year contract worth $765 million with the New York Mets.

Guerrero finished the previous season with impressive stats, boasting a .323 batting average, a .940 OPS, along with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. The Blue Jays’ general manager, Ross Atkins, expressed his disappointment about the lack of agreement, stating, “We put in a lot of effort, and our motivation is unchanged. I believe all our thoughts, ideas, and financial considerations were conveyed. However, it is disheartening that we couldn’t reach an agreement. Our desire remains intact, and we will certainly keep our motivation high.”

Having risen through the ranks of the Toronto system, Guerrero made his major league debut in 2019 and has since accumulated a .288 batting average, .863 OPS, 160 home runs, and 507 RBIs in his career.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the son of the legendary Vladimir Guerrero, a Hall of Fame player and nine-time All-Star who was honored as the AL MVP in 2004.