Vladimir Guerrero Jr. plans to become a free agent after the season following the passing of his deadline Tuesday to reach a long-term agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays.

“Listen, I want to be here. I want to be a Blue Jay for the rest of my career,” the four-time All-Star first baseman said through translator Hector Lebron at Blue Jays camp. “But it’s free agency. It’s business. I’m going to have to listen to 29 more teams and they’re going to have to compete for that.”

Guerrero has a $28.5 million, one-year contract and will be perhaps the top free agent on the market one year after Juan Soto signed a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets.

Guerrero, who turns 26 next month, said his last communication with the team came around 10:30 p.m. Monday and the two sides never came close to a deal.

“I have my number all along,” Guerrero said. “I changed it a little bit. I tried, but it still didn’t happen.”

“I know my value,” he added. “I didn’t see the front office moving to my number. It wasn’t the number I was looking for. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”

Guerrero had said during the offseason he would cut off negotiations when he reported for spring training.

“I don’t want, especially my teammates, to go through any distractions about that,” Guerrero said. “I’m here today and I’m ready. I want to win a lot of games and I want to make it to the playoffs. That’s all that’s in my head right now.”

Guerrero hit .323 last season with a .940 OPS, 30 homers and 103 RBIs.

“We’re disappointed we couldn’t get a deal done,” Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said. “There’s no such thing as close or not close. There’s done or not done.”

Shapiro maintained the team will not entertain trade offers for Guerrero.

Turner gets Cubs deal

Justin Turner has agreed to a $6 million, one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation, giving the team additional infield depth.

Turner can earn an additional $2.5 million in bonuses, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the contract was pending a physical.

The addition of Turner would give the team some security at third base should Matt Shaw need more seasoning in the minors. The 23-year-old Shaw has been slowed by a left oblique issue in spring training.

Manfred plans on Vegas

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred called the Athletics temporary home charming but reiterated he expects the franchise will open its new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028.

Manfred recently visited the 14,000-seat minor league stadium in West Sacramento, California, and said the owners of the Triple-A River Cats and Athletics have provided players with “as close to a major league experience as it can possibly be.”

“It was a really positive day,” Manfred said. “I’m glad I took the time to do it before opening day. That was my plan originally. I think the level of excitement in the community is really palpable.”

Ohtani in 2nd bullpen

Shohei Ohtani threw his second bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday, continuing the process of his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani had his first bullpen session on Saturday.

He hopes to pitch this season for the first time since Aug. 23, 2023, with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani underwent elbow surgery that limited the 30-year-old right-hander to hitting only last season with the Dodgers.

Even so, Ohtani won his third MVP award while becoming the first player to join the 50/50 club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases as the Dodgers won the World Series.

Briefly

Red Sox >> Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino agreed to a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox and will report to big league spring training.

Broadcasting >> Joe Buck will call his first nationally televised baseball game since 2021 on opening day, when the New York Yankees host the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27 at 2 p.m.