Guerrero Jr. says contract request to Blue Jays was for less than $600 million US

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says his proposal for a long-term contract with the Toronto Blue Jays was for less than $600 million US.

In an interview to ESPN, the four-time all-star disputed speculation he sought a deal similar to the $765 million, 15-year contract that Juan Soto agreed to with the New York Mets. Guerrero, who turns 26 on March 16, agreed in January to a $28.5 million, one-year contract and can become a free agent after the World Series. He cut off talks on a long-term deal when he reported to spring training last month.

Guerrero was quoted by ESPN in a report posted Thursday as saying he had asked for the same contract length as Soto but "we're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less." Guerrero noted that his last offer "didn't reach $600 [million]" and that he eventually lowered his request on the length of a deal to 14 years.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years. ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way," he told ESPN.

Despite Guerrero's impending free agency, the Jays still have a desire to re-sign the slugger.  

"The door is open and always will be open," Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said of potential future talks back in February. "Now and throughout the free-agency process.

"But the sole focus for him, for the organization and for the team right now is to have a winning championship season."

Guerrero hit .323 with a .396 on-base percentage, .544 slugging percentage, 30 homers and 103 RBIs in 159 games last season. He has hit .288 with a .363 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, 160 homers and 507 RBIs in 819 career