Mets Likely to Pass on Guerrero Jr. Despite $765M Splash for Soto
The Mets aren’t expected to pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next offseason despite their record-breaking spending on Juan Soto.
After committing $765 million to Soto — the largest contract in MLB history — the Mets have established themselves as big spenders willing to chase championship-caliber talent. But even Steve Cohen’s deep pockets have limits.
Guerrero Jr. is heading to free agency after the 2025 season after failing to reach an extension with the Blue Jays. The four-time All-Star first baseman isn’t being subtle about his financial expectations.
“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.”
That’s a staggering figure even in today’s market. For context, it would be the third-largest contract in MLB history behind only Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
Despite the natural fit of adding another young superstar to pair with Soto and Francisco Lindor, the Mets seem likely to sit this one out. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that industry insiders don’t see the Mets jumping into the bidding war.
“Despite the speculation and the Mets’ well-stocked cash drawer, folks don’t believe they’d be the one to pay that,” Heyman writes. “People around the game don’t see Mets honcho David Stearns spending that much money on a slugging first baseman — even a young one.”
The timing here is interesting. The Mets just re-signed Pete Alonso to a short-term deal this winter, perhaps keeping their options open at first base. Alonso has been the face of the franchise for years, but Guerrero represents a younger alternative with arguably more upside.
That said, committing over $1.2 billion to just two players would be unprecedented, even for Cohen’s Mets. There’s also the question of whether tying up so much payroll in corner positions makes strategic sense for a team that still needs pitching depth.
Guerrero’s age (26) and consistent production make him an attractive target for any contender. But at $500 million, the Mets seem content to let other teams drive the bidding.
