7 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. landing spots after Blue Jays fail to reach new contract

The clock has officially started on the end of the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. era in Toronto.

The superstar infielder reportedly self-imposed a Monday night deadline to reach a new contract with the Blue Jays. That didn't get the job done. Now, the 25-year-old enters spring training in the final year of his current deal and is set to become a free agent at season's end.

Though Guerrero has maintained a desire to remain a Blue Jay for life, he told reporters he'll listen to all 29 other teams this offseason while explaining Toronto didn't come close to meeting his asking price.

According to Spotrac, Guerrero's market value is nearly $36 million per year and a potential deal could reach 12 years, $427 million. The slugger will earn $28.5 million this season after avoiding arbitration.

So where might the four-time All-Star with 160 home runs over six seasons play next? Assuming he doesn't strike a deal with Toronto, these seven teams make the most sense.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Like it or not, the Dodgers are willing to spend oodles and oodles money to sign any player they choose. If they want Vlad to replace Max Muncy in the infield, it's hard to stop them.

2. New York Yankees

The team that used to spend like nobody else could is in dire need of it's next franchise first baseman. Paul Goldschmidt is 37 years old and hit .245 last year. He's not long for The Bronx. New York stealing away a division rival's biggest stars would be a nice throwback. The Yankees just have to hope Vlad doesn't also require a private suite for his family.

3. Chicago Cubs

Guerrero getting to hit in a home run haven like Wrigley Field seems unfair as well as must-see TV. Will it happen? The Ricketts are not afraid to become big spenders when it looks like the title window is opening up, and the Cubs are on the cusp of contending. The team has made some smaller moves around the edges — like stealing manager Craig Counsell from the Brewers and acquiring Kyle Tucker and Dansby Swanson — but getting Guerrero would signal the Cubs are back. Sticking with current first baseman Michael Busch doesn't quite inspire the same confidence.

4. New York Mets

Mets chairman Steve Cohen is also willing to spend whatever it takes to sign top players. He also just got done with an excruciating contract negotiation with fan-favorite Pete Alonso. Should Alonso opt-out after this season, don't be surprised if New York makes a big push for Vlad.

5. San Francisco Giants

After years of trying and failing to lure big free agents to The Bay, imagine if president of baseball operations Buster Posey is able to land a cornerstone first baseman in his first year on the job. San Francisco has been willing to spend, it just hasn't had many bites, and will likely need more than just Guerrero to compete with the Dodgers and Padres these days.

6. Texas Rangers

Texas has an astounding collection of hitters in Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia. The one thing it doesn't have? A cornerstone first baseman. Jake Burger may prove reliable for the Rangers this season, but long-term he's not on the same level as Vlad — who would certainly help fill Texas' big new stadium.

7. Washington Nationals

OK, hear me out. Yes, the Nationals aren't totally into paying top dollar for the best players (See: Harper, Bryce and Soto, Juan), but the current crop of prospect coming up has Washington in a fascinating spot. With Dylan Crews, James Wood and MacKenzie Gore already making waves — and Brady House on the way — the Nats have a ton of young talent it won't have to worry about paying for quite some time. That give the team flexibility to break the bank on Guerrero to anchor the lineup. There would also be some poetry at play with Vlad joining the franchise where his father became an icon. Please just let him wear an Expos hat in his introduction press conference if this happens.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 7 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. landing spots after Blue Jays fail to reach new contract