Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opens up about disappointing season

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opens up about disappointing season

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 5:30 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has opened up about his 2026 slump following his $500 million extension last season.

Guerrero tried to justify that the contract he earned was based on his elite production before this season and not on the future value he provides.

"The contract I got was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I'm going to do. I understand why the fans believe it's the other way around. Sometimes I think that way too, like, 'Oh, they give me this money, and I'm not doing enough.'"

Guerrero Jr.'s dominant 2025 campaign and past success have played a role in his extension, but his future production for the team matters equally.

This season, Guerrero Jr. batted .263 with nine home runs, 56 RBI, seven stolen bases and a .695 OPS, logging career lows in offensive production.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on his down year after signing $500M extension last season:

"The contract I got was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I'm going to do. I understand why the fans believe it's the other way around. Sometimes I think that way too, like, 'Oh, they…
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) September 23, 2026

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs to rediscover his dominance to improve the team's future success

Guerrero Jr. hit only one home run at Rogers Centre this season, and he didn't break out of his home-run slump at home until Sept. 13. It's continued to be a mystery how the $500 million slugger has dug himself into a power drought after his 23-home-run campaign in 2025.

More importantly were Guerrero Jr.'s postseason contributions in 2025, batting .397 with 29 hits, eight home runs and 15 RBI across 18 games. From 2021 to 2024, he's hit 26-plus home runs, providing reliable offense as the franchise's homegrown talent.

Guerrero Jr. needs to figure out what went wrong this season, as his lackluster production massively contributed to the Blue Jays being eliminated from the postseason this year. His lack of extra-base hits this season impacted the team's overall production, as he only hit 33 this season as opposed to 57 in 2025.

Following a 4-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, the Blue Jays were officially eliminated from postseason contention.

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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