Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins arbitration case

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won an arbitration case on Wednesday and will earn $19.9 million this season.

Several media reported that Guerrero won his case.

It is the highest salary awarded in Major League Baseball arbitration since it began in 1974. The Blue Jays asked for $18.05 million.

Former Blue Jays shortstop Teoscar Hernandez held the previous record. He lost his case with the Seattle Mariners last year and got $14 million instead of the $16 million he asked for.

Guerrero, 24, hit .264 with 26 homers and 94 RBIs last season. He earned $14.5 million in 2023.

The three-time All-Star had his best season in 2021, when his salary was $7.9 million. He hit .311 with 48 homers and 111 RBIs that year and finished second in American League MVP voting.

Slugger Juan Soto set the record for the largest one-year contract for an arbitration-eligible player this year. He agreed to a $31 million deal with the New York Yankees.

Soto, who earned $23 million last season, will be a free agent after the 2024 season.

Guerrero is also eligible for arbitration in 2025, the final season of team control before the first baseman's potential free agency.

— With Associated Press files.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 7, 2024.

Canadian Press