Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reacts to Blue Jays Announcement

Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reacts to Blue Jays Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 8:03 AM ET

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays have plenty to reflect on after a disappointing season. Coming off a run to the World Series in 2025, Toronto had expectations of returning to the Fall Classic and finishing the job in 2026. Instead, the Blue Jays finished last in the American League East with a 79-83 record and missed the MLB playoffs.

Guerrero also struggled to meet the standards he had established with the Blue Jays. The first baseman finished with a .260 batting average, nine home runs and 57 RBIs in 144 games.

That was a significant drop from his 2025 production, when he hit .292 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. He was also coming off a remarkable postseason in which he batted .397 with eight home runs and a 1.289 OPS.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) against the Washington Nationals.Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Despite the team’s struggles, a few Blue Jays players delivered standout individual campaigns, perhaps none more impressive than closer Louis Varland.

Varland’s outstanding season earned him the inaugural American League Reliever of the Year Award, announced Wednesday. The Blue Jays celebrated the achievement with a post on social media, drawing several reactions from teammates and fans.

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Guerrero was among the players who showed support for Varland. The six-time All-Star liked the team’s post and also shared the post on his Instagram Story to highlight his veteran teammate.

Varland finished the season with a 1.27 ERA, 35 saves and 97 strikeouts across 78 innings. The 28-year-old also converted 35 of his 37 save opportunities in 71 appearances. He edged Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith in the voting, receiving 146 points to Smith’s 133.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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