Blue Jays announce record 14-year, $500M US extension with star slugger Guerrero Jr.

The Toronto Blue Jays have locked up slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term contract extension that could see the face of the franchise spend his entire career with Canada's lone big-league team.

Two days after reports surfaced the two sides had agreed to a deal, the Blue Jays made it official Wednesday afternoon by confirming Guerrero has signed a 14-year extension worth $500 million US.

"This is a monumental moment in franchise history," team president Mark Shapiro said in a statement. "Vlad has been part of our Blue Jays family since he was 16 years old and has captured the heart of our city and country.

"There are very few in the game today that can say they have played for more than two decades with the same team, and we are immensely grateful Blue Jays fans will get to see Vlad finish his career where it all began. The name Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will forever be synonymous with the Toronto Blue Jays."

The deal is the most lucrative in team history, far surpassing the $150-million, six-year deal that outfielder George Springer signed as a free agent in January 2021.

The extension is the third largest deal in total dollars behind Juan Soto's MLB-record $765-million, 15-year deal and Shohei Ohtani's $700-million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that began last year and is heavily deferred.

WATCH | Blue Jays lock up Guerrero Jr. to record 14-year extension:

Blue Jays keep Vladdy in 14-year, $500M extension deal

Guerrero is in the final year of his current contract that pays him $28.5 million. Without an extension, the four-time all-star could have hit free agency this fall.

"I love our Blue Jays fans," Guerrero said. "They have supported me my whole career and made me feel appreciated every day. My