Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has not had the season he was hoping for. The 27-year-old superstar has posted a .263 batting average, .336 on-base percentage and .695 OPS, numbers that are not just career lows but reflect a hitter who has not even been above league average this season.
As a result, Toronto has suffered and they are nearly eliminated from postseason contention. They entered Wednesday’s doubleheader with the Baltimore Orioles in danger of being officially eliminated with a loss.
Regardless, it is almost certain the Blue Jays are not heading back to October this year, which is a massive disappointment considering they made it all the way to the World Series less than a year ago.
For Guerrero specifically, performing at this level is also shocking considering this is just the first season of his 14-year, $500 million contract.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Blue Jays have invested in him to be a pillar of their lineup for the rest of his career, and he has responded by playing the worst baseball of his career. Guerrero made a podcast appearance this week and addressed the situation directly, even referencing his contract.
“The contract I got was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I’m going to do. I understand why the fans believe it’s the other way around. Sometimes I think that way too, like ‘oh they give me this money and I’m not doing enough,’ but you know I try my best and I’m working hard,” Guerrero said, per MLB reporter Hector Gomez.
He added, “The fans I know how they are, when you are doing great they are 100% behind you but when you are not at your best not everybody is behind you, almost nobody supports you. Those are my real fans, the ones that are supporting me all the time.”
For Guerrero, he is not wrong. As a six-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award winner, he earned that contract based on what he accomplished.
However, he will almost certainly not win back fans if this level of play continues for the remainder of his deal. Guerrero will look to bounce back in 2027 to his usual standards.
Toronto Blue Jays Essentials
- The greatest Blue Jays pitchers of all-time
- 5 best hitters in Blue Jays history
- The greatest Blue Jays shortstops of all-time
- 5 best outfielders in Blue Jays history
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s net worth, MLB salary, and bonuses
