The biggest sign is the hardest

Guerrero headed to arbitration, while Toronto comes to terms with its other 11 eligible players

- GREGOR CHISHOLM

The Blue Jays appear headed for a potentially contentious hearing with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after the two sides failed to reach an agreement prior to Thursday's deadline to exchange salary arbitration figures.

Guerrero was the only one of the Jays' 12 arbitration-eligible players who did not sign a new deal prior to Thursday's 8 p.m. deadline. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Guerrero is seeking $19.9 million (U.S.) while the Jays have countered at $18.05 million.

The 24-year-old's case will now be settled by a panel of arbitrators following a hearing that likely will be scheduled in February. The panel will listen to arguments from both sides and pick the salary submitted by either the player or the club. They cannot settle for an amount in the middle.

Nothing prevents the Jays and Guerrero from continuing to negotiate a new deal. Arbitration can still be avoided up until the minute a hearing starts, but the Jays are considered a "file-and-trial team" which means they have a policy of not settling cases after arbitration figures have been exchanged. Exceptions are made for multi-year deals.

Bo Bichette found himself in that position a year ago after he failed to reach an agreement before the salary figures deadline. Bichette and the Jays were destined for a hearing but were then able to avoid the process entirely by reaching a threeyear agreement worth $33.6 million (U.S.).