A challenging season for both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays has led to the franchise's first baseman standing firmly by some controversial comments he made during an interview with Spanish podcaster Veronica Batista. The episode, set to be released in full on October 4, includes Guerrero discussing his struggles during the 2026 MLB season, his first year under a lucrative 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Blue Jays.
In his remarks, Guerrero acknowledged the expectations that come with such a hefty contract. He stated, “They didn’t pay me to hit 40 every year. The contract was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I’m going to do.” This comment highlights his recognition of the lofty standards placed upon him due to his recent performance history. He expressed understanding of the fan perspective, saying, “I understand why the fans believe it’s the other way around.”
Guerrero further elaborated on his feelings of inadequacy and pressure, admitting, “Sometimes I think that way, too. Like, they gave me this money and I’m not doing enough. But I try my best and I’m working hard.” The assessment of his current season has seen him posting a disappointing slash line of .263/.335/.360 with only nine home runs over 142 games as of his last outing on Wednesday, where he had a 1-for-4 performance during a doubleheader.
This underwhelming season follows a historic postseason run in which Guerrero excelled, demonstrating his potential with a remarkable 1.289 OPS and hitting eight home runs through the seventh game of the World Series. Despite his previous successes, he faced criticism from fans, including boos at the Rogers Centre, as the Blue Jays struggled to maintain a consistent performance during the summer.
After the interview clip made headlines, Guerrero had to clarify his comments when questioned by reporters in Baltimore between games. He conveyed through interpreter Hector Lebron, “That was a quote from the interview, and she asked me how I felt about this year. I said, obviously, I feel really bad about the year I had. I couldn’t help get my team to the postseason. And I said that I felt—in my personal opinion—that every player gets paid for what they’ve done.”
He reflected on his performance leading into the season, stating, “If you guys remember, I signed my contract at the beginning of last year when I did put up a good year, the kind of playoffs I had, to help the team get into the World Series.” Guerrero reiterated his commitment to improving and training during the offseason to ensure he meets the expectations set for himself and his team.
When asked whether he regrets his statements made in the interview with Batista, Guerrero maintained his position, asserting, “No, I don’t regret myself. I’m not lying with what I said. I understand some fans, they don’t understand the way and what I was trying to say specifically, but what I said is the way I feel.” This statement underscores his belief in the sincerity of his feelings regarding the pressures of his contract and performance.
