Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is only adding to Blue Jays' struggles

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is only adding to Blue Jays' struggles

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 6, 2026 7:38 PM ET

As the Toronto Blue Jays struggle with a 16-21 record (fourth in the AL East), which is similar to the record they had at this time last season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s lack of power is adding to the team's issues.

While Guerrero is known for being a slow starter when it comes to power, he normally heats up in June. But he's demonstrated an even slower start this season despite a batting average of .319.

Last season, Guerrero homered three times in April and five times in May. So far this season, he has only had two home runs as of Wednesday.

Guerrero's lackluster performance in producing extra-base hits (Nine across his first 131 at-bats) has been uncharacteristic.

"He understands he's not impacting the ball in the way he knows he can, but I'm certain he's going to just like he did last year."

Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s lack of power in 2026. pic.twitter.com/T6N2PeXzfE
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 5, 2026

Lack of power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Guerrero's power output has raised a lot of questions for the five-time All-Star, who got a 14-year, $500 million deal on April 9, 2025.

But fans witnessed the 27-year-old's offense come alive in the 2025 postseason with a .397 batting average, 15 RBI and a 1.298 OPS. In addition to being named the ALCS MVP.

But what's led to the lack of power for Guerrero in early 2026? In addition to a continuous high groundball rate (48.2%), which has contributed to a low number of home runs, we haven't seen him lift the ball enough in order to boost his power.

According to hitting coach David Popkins, he believes that Guerrero needs to take on a more aggressive approach by honing in on the mentality of doing more damage. His current approach has been to hit more for contact, resembling the mindset of a leadoff hitter.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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