Arguably the best baseman of 2024, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays is one step away from free agency after the team couldn't come to an agreement with him on an extension before setting their internal deadline.

With only one year remaining on his contract, speculation swirls on where he might go next. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Guerrero's choice may be shaped in large part by Juan Soto's record-breaking deal with the New York Mets.

Juan Soto's Contract Redefines Guerrero's Market

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Eyes Free Agency: Will the Mets and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Eyes Free Agency: Will the Mets and
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According to Clutch Points, Passan writes that Guerrero's perception of his own value in free agency has altered since Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract. Even though Guerrero might not be the defensive equal to Soto, he is still one of the upper-tier hitters in the league, and that might just earn him a princely sum.

"Because if you're giving the most favorable version of the Vladimir Guerrero objective assessment, you're saying that he's a guy that is in his mid-20s, one of the best hitters in baseball, probably going to DH eventually in his career, doesn't bring much if any defensive value, and the bat is so special it really doesn't matter. That sounds like Juan Soto. And Soto got $765 million over 15 years from the New York Mets so why wouldn't he set that as the comparable? Passan said.

Soto's gargantuan contract is all the evidence the teams need to know they're ready to throw large sums at elite hitters, even if the eventual move ends up being in designated hitter years. If Guerrero continues on a similar trajectory, he might well be signing up for a contract over $300 million—once an impossibility.

The Mets Might Be the Game-Changer for Guerrero

One of the main points in Guerrero's free agency will be the New York Mets. Though they secured Soto, they still need a long-term solution at first base. Pete Alonso, their incumbent first baseman, signed only a short-term deal with a player option for 2025. If Alonso exercises his opt-out clause, the Mets would be an ideal destination for Guerrero.

With billionaire owner Steve Cohen at the controls, the Mets have demonstrated they will spend whatever it takes to assemble a championship team. Some owners feared Cohen would flood the market with too much spending, but the Mets have remained aggressive, particularly after coming up short on some of their top targets this offseason.

If Guerrero perceives the Mets as a possible suitor, he can leverage their deep pockets to negotiate with other clubs. That's precisely what Soto did—engaging in a bidding war between the Mets and Yankees that ended up increasing his price.

Blue Jays Face Uncertain Future Without an Extension

Toronto pressed aggressively to get Guerrero locked up with a long-term contract but failed to come through.

Details of the amount of money that was on the table are never disclosed, but Guerrero confirmed he rejected "a lot of money." That makes it appear like he's staking on himself to score an even bigger free-agency contract.

For the Blue Jays, that may translate into one of their core players departing via free agency. If Vladimir Guerrero is a walkout, they're left with their backs against the wall and wondering how to find another first baseman in his shoes to balance what should still be a stout, AL East-worthy roster.

With free agency on the horizon, Guerrero stands to gain a great chance to reap his value. If he has a good 2024 season, he could be in the running for a record-breaking contract.

The Mets and Yankees both have first base vacancies and if they go into another bidding war like they did for Soto, Guerrero may well be the next star to get a historic contract.

Guerrero liking this post could also convince us that he could be a Yankee soon.