You think a contract worth $500 million would come with long discussions, background checks, and maybe a few shared dinners? Certainly not with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s case. The day Guerrero Jr. signed the contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays for 14 seasons and $500 million, it was marked as a historical moment for the franchise. In the midst of all the smiles, champagne popping, and celebrations, something happened that has stunned the Blue Jays nation.

At the center of it all? Edward Rogers, the most formidable man in Canadian sports, recently confessed that he doesn’t know Guerrero Jr. very well. Let’s not forget he’s the same man who rarely speaks publicly. And guess what? He confessed this on the very day when Guerrero’s extension became official. Ironically, Guerrero Jr. will be paid $500 million from Rogers’ money, the man who knows him as much as the fans do, or maybe even less.

The one who last signed such a massive contract with the Blue Jays was Dave Stieb. Well, now doesn’t it feel like a different era altogether? The money being spent today feels unreal if you draw a contrast to other deals that took place in other seasons. Want to know the real shocker here? It’s the totality. The $500 million US is a lot more than $700 million Canadian.

During the signing news press conference, Mr. Rogers was asked a question that hung heavy in the room: What’s the return on investment on signing Guerrero Jr.? He took a moment to address it. Let’s just say he avoided diving into economic theory. Rather, Rogers emphasized the succinct. Well, he simply had one goal. A World Series championship to be back in Toronto. He didn’t have to think much before answering it. He didn’t flinch and remarked that he believes there’s no such actual price to it.

It’s fair to say that with such perspective, Mr. Rogers is betting on the bright future that comes by signing Guerrero Jr. and right after the press conference, the Blue Jays nation was holding their breath for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves got the best of Guerrero Jr. after Lucas had a tough outing

The Toronto Blue Jays were fresh off from a grand celebration of signing Guerrero Jr. and tying him to Toronto for 14 seasons. Following that, when the actual baseball got to being played on the field, the Atlanta Braves made sure to cut the Blue Jays celebration early.

In the matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays, the Braves were leading and snatched away the win for an 8-2. Turns out, Austin Riley recorded two soaring home runs. And until the sixth inning, Braves’ starter Grant Holmes didn’t allow any hits.

On the other hand, Easton Lucas couldn’t build the same command he had during his two remarkable starts ever since he had been filling in for Max Scherzer.

Lucas was in a tough spot throughout the matchup. He had to give up eight runs on six hits across five innings. Postgame, he admitted, “That was the frustrating one!”. But on the brighter side, manager John Schneider has no doubts about his potential. He reportedly said, “Today it’s a tough outing, but he’s been really good.” Despite the painful defeat, Schneider is not ready to lose hope yet. It wasn’t the outing he expected, but he chooses to stay optimistic for the upcoming matchups.

The Blue Jays had a great celebration off the field. But eventually, the Braves took the best of them on the field.