Blue Jays' ticket sales take a dip amid Guerrero uncertainty

Blue Jays fans are tired of the games both sides are playing in regards to the Vladimir Guerrero Jr extension which is what made the «optimism» Shapiro expressed about extending Vladdy, and the bold proclamation that «I think we're going to sign him, I think we're going to extend him,» so notable during an hour-long discussion with media Thursday.

This is turning into a wild game of chicken the Blue Jays are playing with their franchise cornerstone, daring him to go to free agency and beat their offer, and that Guerrero Jr is playing back, daring the team to let him reach the open market.

For that reason, the dribs and drabs of info leaking out over the past couple of weeks - the Blue Jays offer, the Guerrero ask, etc. - sure feels like a coded negotiation, each side fighting for some leverage over the other.

In a brief interview after the Blue Jays' 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Guerrero said he planned to:

Still, Shapiro's optimism can also certainly be viewed as a signal that the Blue Jays feel good about their offer, while also calming angst-filled fans and sponsors at a time when the club's entire competitive window is facing collapse.

Shapiro conceded there's been «a little bit of a dip» in ticket sales since last year but added that the Blue Jays are still projecting an attendance of around 2.7 million, similar to the 2.68 million they drew in 2024.

The premium clubs are sold out with a wait list, he said, and the new 328 Club in the right-field corner is selling well, per the club.

That's vital for the business, but what happens next year if Guerrero and Bo Bichette, the club's other pending free-agent cornerstone, move on? Shapiro's contract is also up - he refused to discuss his own status - which clouds the team's longer-term strategy.

SOURCE: Sportsnet