A majority of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s historic contract extension will be paid out in a signing bonus.
The Toronto Blue Jays made the 14-year, $500-million extension with the all-star first baseman official on Wednesday and more details about the specifics of the deal are starting to emerge.
The contract will not include any deferred money or opt-outs, but it does include $325 million worth of signing bonuses, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.
The first bonus, worth $20 million, will be paid this season before the extension begins in 2026. The remaining $305 million bonuses will be spread out over the 14 years of the deal.
That means his income this season will be $48.5 million ($20 million bonus plus $28.5 million salary), and then from 2026 to 2039, he will be paid $21.79 million in a bonus and $13.92 million in salary for a total of $35.71 million per season.
The structure will allow Guerrero to save on taxes as a Florida resident and will protect his income in the case of a future work stoppage, Spotrac adds.
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