Good News: Who Can Afford to Sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at Rumored $500-Plus Million?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in Major League Baseball, and he’s quickly become the face of the Toronto Blue Jays. With his mix of power, contact hitting, and natural charisma, Guerrero is not just a player—he’s a franchise cornerstone. As the 2025 season approaches, rumors are swirling about a massive contract extension for the 24-year-old slugger, potentially worth over $500 million. Such a deal would place Guerrero among the highest-paid athletes in the world and cement his legacy as one of the most valuable players in MLB history.
The question is, who can afford to sign a player of Guerrero’s caliber? With teams vying for dominance and the financial means to sign such a player, there are several clubs in MLB that could make a run at the prodigious talent. Let’s break down who could realistically afford to sign Guerrero to a record-breaking deal, based on their financial resources, team needs, and long-term outlook.
1. New York Yankees
When it comes to spending big, no team in MLB can compete with the financial power of the New York Yankees. The Yankees have long been one of the wealthiest franchises in professional sports, and their willingness to spend money on marquee talent has made them perennial contenders. With deep pockets and a storied history of big signings, the Yankees could easily afford to sign Guerrero to a $500 million deal or even higher.
Guerrero would be an ideal fit for the Yankees, particularly with the aging of key players like Aaron Judge, who, although still elite, is in his 30s. The Yankees have long sought a consistent, homegrown star to lead them into the next era of baseball, and Guerrero would perfectly complement the club’s high-powered offense. Adding Guerrero to the lineup alongside Judge would give the Yankees an unmatched combination of power and offensive production.
The Yankees’ ownership group, headed by Hal Steinbrenner, has historically been willing to spend on premium talent to ensure the franchise remains competitive. Even with the luxury tax and financial constraints that come with massive contracts, the Yankees have consistently shown that they can find ways to make it work. If the Yankees view Guerrero as the next cornerstone of their franchise, it’s easy to imagine them making a run at securing his services.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are another team with the financial clout to compete for a player of Guerrero’s caliber. One of the most successful franchises in recent years, the Dodgers consistently push their payroll to the upper limits, and their market size and revenue streams allow them to handle a massive contract like the one rumored for Guerrero.
After missing out on several top free-agent signings in recent years—such as their failed pursuit of Mookie Betts or attempts to land star pitchers—the Dodgers might look to make a long-term splash by signing Guerrero to anchor their offense for the next decade. The Dodgers have the financial flexibility to take on a deal of this size and have historically signed high-profile players to long-term deals, including Betts, who is currently one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Guerrero would provide a perfect complement to a lineup that already features established stars like Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. The Dodgers could easily fit Guerrero into their payroll, and given their consistent success, Guerrero would be an ideal addition to a team looking to solidify their future as a World Series contender. The team’s financial resources and their need for a superstar slugger make them one of the most likely suitors for Guerrero’s services.
3. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have reloaded their roster in recent years, and their ownership group, led by the Ricketts family, has signaled a willingness to spend to return the team to championship contention. The Cubs, with their large fanbase and strong revenue streams, have the financial ability to handle a contract as massive as the rumored deal for Guerrero. The Cubs have historically been a franchise willing to go big in free agency, evidenced by their signing of Jason Heyward to a $184 million contract in 2015 and their recent moves to strengthen their roster.
Adding Guerrero to a Cubs roster that already boasts young stars like Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki would give the team a serious boost. With a new era of Cubs baseball dawning, Guerrero could be the final piece needed to catapult them into perennial postseason contention. The Cubs would benefit from Guerrero’s youth, his potential for long-term production, and the marketing appeal that such a high-profile signing would bring.
Though the Cubs have made efforts to rebuild their roster, a $500 million contract for Guerrero could push them back into the conversation of legitimate championship contenders. Chicago’s financial resources and market size make them a real contender for Guerrero’s services if they are willing to make the kind of bold move necessary to secure him.
4. San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants have made no secret of their interest in signing a superstar in recent years. After a period of success in the 2010s, the Giants took a step back and focused on rebuilding their roster. Now, with an eye toward returning to contention, they’ve been linked to numerous big-name free agents, including Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. The Giants’ ownership group, led by CEO Larry Baer, has the financial resources to handle a contract of this magnitude, especially with a relatively low payroll in recent years.
The Giants play in a large market and have a devoted fanbase, which would make signing Guerrero both a baseball and business move. Adding Guerrero to the mix would instantly make the Giants a contender in the National League, with a dynamic bat to pair with young stars like Logan Webb and J.D. Davis. Guerrero’s long-term potential, both on the field and as a fan draw, would make him a perfect fit for a franchise looking to rebuild and reload quickly.
Guerrero would also bring significant star power to San Francisco, which could be just what the Giants need to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the MLB. Given their financial flexibility and willingness to pursue top talent, they could be in the mix for a deal like Guerrero’s.
5. Miami Marlins
While the Miami Marlins have traditionally been a smaller-market team, recent moves have shown that they are willing to invest in young talent. The Marlins are owned by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter (as part of the ownership group), and they have slowly worked to turn around their fortunes through a combination of player development and strategic acquisitions.
Miami has a strong Latin American fanbase, and Guerrero would likely be an incredibly marketable player in South Florida. The Marlins have a reputation for being frugal with their spending, but they have also invested in key areas like pitching and young talent. If they see Guerrero as a franchise-changing player who could put them on the map in both baseball and business, they might be willing to stretch their payroll to accommodate a $500 million deal. With a potential for huge returns on investment, the Marlins could find it beneficial to make a big splash.
While this might seem like a long shot given their history of financial conservatism, the Marlins have made strides in recent years and could take the plunge if they feel Guerrero represents a generational talent who can elevate their franchise.
Conclusion
Signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a $500-plus million deal would be a massive financial commitment for any team, but several franchises have the financial capability and resources to pull it off. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are the most obvious candidates, given their deep pockets and history of making blockbuster deals. However, teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and even the Miami Marlins could also be in the mix, depending on their long-term strategy and commitment to securing elite talent. Wherever Guerrero lands, it will undoubtedly be a transformative deal for both the player and the franchise involved, shaping the future of MLB for years to come.
