The Toronto Blue Jays are doing everything possible to ensure their top players stay with the team, including one player who has a strong connection to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and has been with the franchise since 2020.



Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on August 19, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

© Getty Images Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on August 19, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

The Toronto Blue Jays, like other MLB teams, have the financial resources to reward their best players with significant contract extensions. Such is the case with one of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s teammates, who recently agreed to a solid $58 million extension with the club.

According to a report by Robert Murray, the Blue Jays are set to give catcher Alejandro Kirk a five-year extension worth $58 million. The deal also includes additional perks, such as a $6M signing bonus, and notably, the new contract will not include a club option.

It’s worth noting that Kirk has been with the Blue Jays almost as long as Guerrero Jr. While Vladi debuted in the MLB with the club in 2019, Kirk made his debut in 2020, and the two have known each other well since then.

It’s worth noting that an announcement for Kirk was somewhat anticipated, as just a few days ago, Mark Shapiro spoke highly of the catcher. “I mentioned Bo, but Kirk is probably number two for me in terms of guys I’m most excited to see play this year. I feel like he’s going to have a really good year,” Shapiro stated.

TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 29: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 29, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 29: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 29, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Rare Big Contract Moves by the Blue Jays

Handing out large contract extensions is a rarity for the Toronto Blue Jays under the leadership of Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro. In fact, over the past two years, the team has only made three such moves, marking an unusual approach. These include extensions given to José Berríos and Randal Grichuk.