MLB Announces Decision After Vladimir Guerrero Jr. News

Guerrero’s performance this season is part of the reason for Toronto’s fall from grace after winning the American League in 2025. They are 42-49, third place in the AL East and 11 ½ games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.

With Guerrero stepping down from his spot at first base, a replacement was in order. Filling his spot will be Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras.

Contreras was traded to Boston from the St. Louis Cardinals this past winter for a slew of prospects. So far this season, he has been about the only Red Sox to really hit.

In 86 games, the 34-year-old is having possibly the best season of his career. He is slashing .284/.378/.542 for a .920 OPS, a career-high. He has already crushed 20 home runs (his most in a season is 24) and has 59 RBIs.

There is no debate over who has the better numbers between Guerrero and Contreras, and now the latter will receive the nod to his fourth All-Star Game. The previous three were in 2018, 2019 and 2022 with the Chicago Cubs.

While Guerrero’s Blue Jays have been ice-cold lately, Contreras’ Red Sox have been red-hot. Since June 25, they are 7-2. The streak featured a sweep of their arch rival New York Yankees, as well as the Los Angeles Angels.

Toronto and Boston are neck-and-neck in the division and Wild Card race right now. The second half will be interesting to see if either can sneak into the postseason in a weak AL.