MLB stars react to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. uproar: ‘This is not him at his best’
The emergence of Guerrero's ill-timed (and let's face it, confusing) comments on the day the Jays were eliminated from playoff contention only added fuel to the firestorm.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 2026 season has been disappointing, leading to controversy over his comments on his $500 million contract. The first baseman has posted a .263/.336/.359 batting average, ranking 23rd among first basemen in MLB. Signed to the longest contract in league history by guaranteed money, his underperformance is concerning for a Blue Jays team that missed the playoffs after a World Series appearance the previous year.
When asked about his season in a Spanish-language interview, Guerrero stated that his contract was based on past performance rather than future expectations. This statement sparked criticism, as it contradicts typical sports team strategies. Guerrero later clarified his comments, explaining that he meant he felt bad about his performance and that every player is paid for their past accomplishments.
However, he reiterated that he has always worked hard for his team and will continue to do so. Despite his efforts, the Blue Jays are hoping for a better showing in 2026, as they had high expectations for the 27-year-old talent, who showed remarkable form in last year's postseason.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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