Toronto Blue Jaysfirst basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. has not had the season he was hoping for. After leading the Blue Jays to the World Series in 2025 with an electric performance, almost singlehandedly willing the team toward a championship, he has followed it up with a disappointing campaign this year.
Across 82 games, Guerrero has posted a .268 batting average, .349 on-base percentage, .699 OPS, four home runs and 35 RBIs. He has been battling lower back issues which may be contributing to his struggles, but it is still uncharacteristic of him.
His disappearance offensively has been a major reason why the Blue Jays have disappointed, and after Saturday's loss to the Seattle Mariners, they now sit five games under .500 past the midway point of the season.
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Despite his struggles, Guerrero has still received a ton of support from Blue Jays fans. So much so that on Saturday, after the loss to Seattle, Guerrero received some exciting news.
MLB announced the results of Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting and Guerrero was selected as a starter for the American League at first base, marking his sixth straight All-Star selection.
Unfortunately, the excitement was short-lived. Shortly after MLB revealed the results, Guerrero announced that he has decided to pass on the All-Star Game this year. Guerrero cited his lower back issues as the reason for his decision and plans to use the break to recuperate.
Guerrero also had a message for the supporters who voted for him, calling it "one of the hardest parts of not going" (h/t Shi Davidi of Sportsnet). He added, "It's very difficult for me. But I really have to take care of myself and I've got to put my team first for the second half."
While Guerrero will not participate, it does open the door for another deserving candidate in the American League to take his place.
Blue Jays fans will still be able to support plenty of other players at the All-Star Game this year, including fan favorite Ernie Clement, who received more votes than any other player in the American League during Phase 1.
