The Toronto Blue Jays may have been beaten to the finish line by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for Shohei Ohtani, but they already have a productive hitter in their ranks just waiting to take on more duties.
2024 will be Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s sixth year in major baseball. The former Montreal Expos star's son's start to his career is remarkable, even if fans remain hungry.
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The infielder was a finalist for American League MVP in 2021, winning a Silver Bat and a Gold Glove. Despite an average season, he won the All-Star Game home run competition last summer.
“He's at a point in his career where he really wants to make an impact, not just on offense but as a leader in the locker room,” manager John Schneider said last week, his comments reported by the Toronto Sun newspaper.
Despite Guerrero Jr.'s many long balls, the Blue Jays have not won a single playoff duel since 2016. The offense no longer runs solely through him, as Bo Bichette has proven, and his maturity could prove to be excellent news.
“I've been saying it for a long time: I don't think the expectations placed on him are justified,” said Schneider. However, I think he is more motivated and confident than ever. He understands that he cannot take everything on his shoulders.
Impressive
General manager Ross Atkins remained quiet this fall despite another early exit from his men. He kept Schneider in his job even though other executives might have been far less patient. Improvements have to come from within, he told the Toronto media outlet.
As for Guerrero Jr., Atkins is happy to see him in good spirits. At a home run contest in Puerto Rico this week, “Vlad Jr.” impressed by hitting multiple bombs with a metal bat.
“He’s in great shape. He started the offseason very well. I talked to him [la semaine dernière] and he is very excited. “He feels good,” assured the CEO.
“He is so impressive. He is becoming more and more focused and a man with a lot of determination, so we are very happy to have him here,” added Atkins, who has certainly had a long week at Ohtani Circus.
The Jays have not yet shown their colors in the transaction market to continue to surround Guerrero Jr., but rumors of big acquisitions are still alive.