Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins record $19.9M salary in arbitration

The Toronto Blue Jays' hard-hitting first baseman/designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. came up big in the offseason, winning his argument for $19.9 million this season from an arbitration panel on Wednesday.

The team had offered the five-year veteran $18.05 million. Guerrero also set an arbitration record, surpassing the $14 million awarded to then-Seattle Mariners outfielder Teoscar Hernandez before last season. Hernandez had wanted $16 million, but in arbitration, the panel must pick either the team's offer or the player's, with no middle ground.

Guerrero, the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, has been an All-Star the last three seasons and finished second in the American League MVP race in 2021. That season, he led the majors with 48 home runs and 123 runs scored and led the AL in several more offensive categories.

Last season, Guerrero hit .264, nearly a career low, and launched 26 home runs with 94 RBIs. He has 130 bombs in 660 games in his career.

Following arbitration, Guerrero can become a free agent for the 2026 season.