Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reacts to Blue Jays Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 12:52 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays' first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is in the middle of one of the worst slumps of his eight-year career so far in 2026. Guerrero began the season off to a hot start, batting .354 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in his first 31 games of the season, before cooling off to a .167 batting average with three RBIs in 11 games in June.

The first baseman who won the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby has seemingly lost his power at the plate, slugging just three home runs on the year. His average exit velocity is down to 90.4 mph, 70th in the league and the lowest since his 2019 debut season.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27).Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Those numbers are why, when the MLB released a ballot update on Monday for Phase 1 voting for the All-Star game in Philadelphia, Guerrero being first in voting among American League first basemen was surprising, to say the least.

Guerrero had 603,014 votes, ahead of the New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice with 509,830. Rice is having a breakout season with the Yankees, hitting 20 home runs, tied for the AL lead with Chicago's Munetaka Murakami, while carrying a .292 batting average with 49 RBIs this season. Guerrero, meanwhile, is hitting .276 with three home runs, 27 RBIs, and 39 runs scored.

Guerrero spoke with Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, shocked by the results of the ballot update. When asked whether he would go to the game in Philadelphia, Guerrero said that he would be there on one condition.

“I was surprised"

On Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leading All Star voting at 1B and if he'll go to the game in Philly: #BlueJays https://t.co/oN92osesN6
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) June 17, 2026

"If I'm voted first, I'm going," Guerrero said.

Even in a struggling season, his glove at first and a decent batting average prove that he can still make an impact on the field. Phase 2 for the 2026 MLB All-Star game begins on Monday, June 29, where fans can vote on who will start in the Midsummer Classic.

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

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