The Toronto Blue Jays have locked in one of their foundational stars for the long haul: first-baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has signed a **14-year, US$500 million contract extension**, keeping him in Toronto for essentially the rest of his career.
Key details of the contract
* The agreement begins in 2026 and runs through the 2039 season.
* The total value is US$500 million.
* A major portion of the deal (approximately US$325 million) is designated as a signing bonus.
* The average annual value (AAV) of the contract is about US$35.7 million per year.
* There are **no deferred payments** in the deal, meaning the money is assured without delayed payouts.
What this means for Guerrero & the Blue Jays
For Guerrero, this deal offers long-term stability and cements his place as a franchise cornerstone. He, in his own words, referred to Canada as his “second house” and expressed gratitude to Blue Jays fans for their support.
For the Blue Jays, locking up a homegrown talent like Guerrero—who debuted with the club in 2019 and was poised for free agency soon—helps anchor their core. ([MLB.com][1]) It also sends a signal that the organization is serious about building sustained competitiveness rather than short-term bursts.
Legacy and franchise context
* This contract is **the largest in Blue Jays franchise history**, surpassing their previous high-water mark. ([Wikipedia][5])
* Among all MLB contracts in terms of total dollars, this deal places Guerrero among the highest paid, especially for a player remaining with one team. ([ESPN.com][4])
* The term “foundation star” is apt: by committing to Guerrero long-term, the Blue Jays are saying he will be the face of the franchise for years to come.
Final thought
This extension accomplishes two major things: it grants Guerrero long-term security and keeps one of the most talented hitters in the game in Toronto, and it gives the Blue Jays a clear centerpiece around which to build their roster and identity. With the deal in place, the organization can focus on assembling the supporting cast and competitive pieces around him, knowing their star first baseman is locked in.
