Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is having a surprisingly underwhelming 2026 campaign, and his struggles at the plate continue past the MLB All-Star break.
During Monday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Guerrero went 0-for-4 with a strikeout and zero walks. It was yet another unproductive night for the six-time All-Star, resulting in a display of frustration.
After the game, Toronto manager John Schneider addressed Guerrero’s behavior.
“He wants to be the guy. He’s here for a reason and we signed him for a reason. He’s frustrated like we’re frustrated. I’ve got no problem with him showing it,” Schneider said, via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
Guerrero’s troubles on offense help explain why the Blue Jays are painfully underachieving this season. After falling just a win short of winning the World Series in 2025, Toronto finds itself 11.5 games out of first place in the American League East through Monday with a 46-54 record. Pressure is mounting on the team to turn things around, especially with the trade deadline fast approaching.
On the season, the 27-year-old Guerrero is batting only .259/.342/.353. What has been glaringly lacking in his game is his power. He only has six home runs to date and just a .353 slugging percentage. Even more baffling is the fact that he has yet to hit a home run in Toronto this season.
It may not be too late for Guerrero to turn things around, but the sense of urgency is growing by the day.
