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MLB rumors: Predicting the next 5 young stars to sign contract extensions

By Cody Williams

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 17: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts while batting against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on August 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 17: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts while batting against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on August 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

This one is perhaps every bit as obvious as the Soto deal. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a star almost from the moment he got the call from the Toronto Blue Jays. And even though his 2022 season hasn’t quite been to the level of his 2021 campaign, he’s still been an unquestionably elite player who deserves to get the bag.

After slashing .311/.401/.601 with 48 homers and 111 RBI last season, Vladdy has followed that up with a .284/.352/.504 line to go with 26 long balls and 78 RBI to this point in the year. Again, not as good, but still the type of production that bolsters the heart of a potent batting order to the nth degree.

Still just 23 years old, Guerrero Jr. is going to be able to demand the same type of contract that Soto is looking for from the Padres when he steps up to the negotiating table with the Blue Jays. He’s got the bat, he’s put in the work to better his body, and he’s improved with his glove at first base well.

Much like Soto and Alvarez, this is a no-brainer move for Toronto. They won’t be getting a discount on any extension, to be clear, but when you have a player of Guerrero Jr.’s age and caliber, there’s not a chance in hell you can let him out the door.

Next. 3 reasons Atlanta Braves are a scarier playoff matchup than the Mets. dark

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