Part 2/9:
Guerrero, who had expressed his unwillingness to negotiate once the spring training games commenced, stood firm in his expectation for a contract devoid of any deferrals. The steadfast nature of his demands might have seemed impractical at first glance, but it ultimately placed incredible pressure on the Blue Jays' management.
It is apparent that Guerrero's legacy as a player—having been drafted and developed entirely by the Blue Jays—amidst a narrative that often sees stars leave Canada played a crucial role in galvanizing the team’s approach to negotiations. Toronto was tired of their reputation as a team reluctant to invest heavily in key players, and Guerrero's talent provided them with a golden opportunity to prove naysayers wrong.