Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is always thinking about the team’s future, which could put Boston in the mix for a star slugger.
Top star and the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to agree on a contract extension, setting the stage for a major bidding war in the 2026 offseason, with multiple teams expected to pursue the four-time All-Star.
There has been speculation about Guerrero’s potential contract value, but his comments on negotiations with the Blue Jays provide some insight.
“It’s much less than (Juan) Soto. We’re talking about significantly fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less,” Guerrero told ESPN’s Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez. “… It was the same number of years (as Soto’s deal), but it didn’t reach ($600 million). Our final counteroffer didn’t reach 600.
“I understand the business. I lowered my salary demands a bit but also shortened the number of years. … I’m looking for 14 (years). I’d like 14, 15, even 20 if possible, but done the right way.”
Soto secured a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. While Guerrero could command a similar deal, he appears focused on securing a long-term contract with a slightly lower annual salary.
With multiple teams likely to compete for his services, Guerrero’s contract value could rise to a level similar to Soto’s. However, he remains confident in his worth as one of MLB’s premier young sluggers. It’s still too early to determine whether the Red Sox will pursue the seventh-year infielder, but there may be mutual interest in bringing Guerrero to Fenway Park.