The Toronto Blue Jays committed 14 years and $500 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the expectation that he would be the face of the franchise for years to come. He rewarded the club’s faith during a spectacular 2025 campaign, helping lead Toronto to the American League pennant while earning American League MVP finalist consideration, a Silver Slugger Award and his fifth All-Star selection.
The 2026 season, however, has unfolded much differently. Guerrero has struggled to produce at his usual level while battling a lingering lower back issue. His latest frustration came in Saturday’s 11-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners, when he went 0-for-3 with a walk, as Toronto’s offense managed just one hit all afternoon.
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This season, Guerrero is batting .265 with four home runs, 35 RBIs, a .346 on-base percentage and a .346 slugging percentage through 84 games.
Despite the down year, fans still voted Guerrero into his sixth All-Star Game, selecting him as the American League’s starting first baseman. But shortly after the results were announced, Guerrero revealed he would decline the invitation, opting instead to use the All-Star break to recover from his back injury and prepare for the second half.
“As you guys know, I've been having a little bit of issues with my lower back,” Guerrero said via his interpreter. “That comes first, for me to get ready, to prepare myself for my team to have a strong second half. That was the main thing in my decision.”
After Saturday’s loss to Seattle, Blue Jays manager John Schneider fully reacted to the decision and was fully supportive of Guerrero. Schneider said the two had been discussing it for several days before Guerrero made it official.
“It’s a sign of Vlad growing up… (he) wanted to definitely recognize how thankful he was, but wanted to do what’s best for us” (h/t Shi Davidi and Hazel Mae of SportsNet).
Toronto continues to show complete confidence in its franchise cornerstone despite his difficult season. Schneider has repeatedly resisted calls to bench or demote him.
Guerrero and the Blue Jays will try to rebound on Sunday when they wrap up their series against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
