{
  "id": 9824147,
  "title": "Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologizes for comments on contract",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/blue-jays-vladimir-guerrero-jr-apologizes-for-comments-on-contract",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T20:01:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/25/blue-jays-vladimir-guerrero-jr-apologizes-for-comments-on-contract/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has issued an apology for remarks he made in a Spanish-language interview. The first baseman addressed reporters at Rogers Centre on Friday, expressing regret for his comments. Guerrero said the comments were his heart's way of apologizing to his fans and teammates for his struggles. In a Spanish interview with Veronica Batista of Noticias Telemicro, the struggling slugger discussed finding solace in conversations with his Hall of Fame father during restless nights due to his performance anxiety. He also addressed an on-and-off back injury, which he claimed was not an excuse for his poor performance at the plate. However, it was his statement that he received a $500 million, 14-year contract \"for what I already did\" that sparked outrage. Guerrero later clarified that his comments didn't reflect his true intentions. He acknowledged a disappointing year, failing to help his team reach their goals, and struggled to find support from his father, who told him his behavior was wrong. Despite a stellar postseason in 2025, where he helped the team reach the World Series, Guerrero's 2026 performance has been markedly disappointing. He is hitting only .263/.335/.695 with nine home runs and 56 RBIs, and has only managed one home run at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Friday.",
  "summary": "Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is sorry. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman apologized for his comments in a Spanish-language interview while addressing reporters Friday at Rogers Centre before the start of a season-ending series against the Cincinnati Reds. “I regret my comments the other day,” Guerrero Jr. said through an interpreter. “I felt from my heart […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologizes for contract comments in Spanish interview.",
    "Comments suggested $500M, 14-year contract for past performance.",
    "Guerrero clarifies remarks didn't reflect true intentions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}