Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scores against the New York Yankees. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Blue Jays aren't getting enough from their $500M man

By Jackson Weber | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:21 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays fans don't have much to complain about. Despite losing 5-4 on Tuesday to the New York Yankees, their team leads the AL East by three games heading into play Wednesday against the Yankees.

But not everything is perfect north of the U.S. border.

Keegan Matheson, Blue Jays reporter for MLB.com, echoed that sentiment during Tuesday night's loss to New York in a post shared on X.

"The #BlueJays need more from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and I don't understand why that's only being whispered instead of said out loud," Matheson wrote.

The #BlueJays need more from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and I don't understand why that's only being whispered instead of said out loud.

If any player can turn it on in an instant, it's Vladdy.

He can take this team from a postseason contender to a World Series contender by himself.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 23, 2025

Matheson has been beating this drum recently, and he's spot-on.

Guerrero Jr., who signed a 14-year, $500M extension in April, hasn't produced superstar numbers.

Through 99 games, Vladdy has a .283 average, 13 HRs and 48 RBI. Per ESPN, the 26-year-old is on pace for 21 HRs and 77 RBI, which would by far his lowest full-season totals in those categories since his rookie season in 2019.

Although they have one of MLB's best records, the Blue Jays (59-42) lack pop in the lineup. Toronto ranks 20th in the majors in home runs with 105.

If Vladdy finds his power stroke and turn it on in the final months of the regular season, the Blue Jays will go from being a playoff contender to a threat to win the World Series.

If he doesn't, the Blue Jays aren't getting their money's worth.

Jackson Weber

Jackson Weber is a sports writer with a BComm in Business and Sport Management from the University of Guelph. While he has focused primarily on NHL coverage in recent years, he brings strong knowledge and passion for the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Following all four major leagues year-round, Jackson delivers honest, opinion-driven stories on the biggest topics in sports

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