It is no secret that Toronto Blue Jaysfirst basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. is struggling, now in his eighth year with the organization. The Blue Jays have stumbled to a 34-38 record, and while injuries have played a role in their disappointing season, so has the play of Guerrero.
After a dominant postseason during last year's run to the World Series, Guerrero has not carried that momentum into 2026. Across 68 games, the 27-year-old has posted a .280 batting average, .372 on-base percentage, .737 OPS, with just three home runs and 27 RBIs.
Guerrero's power has completely disappeared. He launched 48 home runs in 2021, leading MLB, so to see him sitting at just three is a huge concern.
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
With Guerrero struggling, the Blue Jays may have found a way for him to focus more on his approach at the plate. Ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Boston Red Sox, the Blue Jays had catcher Brandon Valenzuela take ground balls at first base, something he has done previously this year (h/t Mitch Bannon of The Athletic).
The reason is to get his bat in the lineup alongside Alejandro Kirk. Valenzuela broke out at the plate during Kirk's month-long absence due to a left thumb injury, and if he played first base it could keep both players in the lineup simultaneously.
However, if Valenzuela plays first, that is Guerrero's position, meaning the Blue Jays would have to decide where to play him.
Guerrero will likely still log plenty of starts at first base, which makes sense considering he has won a Gold Glove there. However, the team could move him to designated hitter more frequently so he can hone in on his approach, since most of his value comes in the batter's box.
Manager John Schneider has already indicated that usual DH George Springer could begin to see more time in the outfield. The Blue Jays could also give Guerrero more frequent days off if his struggles continue, using reset days to help him finally rediscover his form.
His numbers are not necessarily bad this year, but for a five-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and a player just one year into a 14-year, $500 million contract, the Blue Jays need and expect more.
