The Toronto Blue Jays wiped away any and all worries about the future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a 14-year, $500 million deal right after the season began.
It was a refreshing change for both sides, especially since Guerrero had no plans to discuss a deal during the season after the two sides failed before Opening Day.
Surprisingly, Guerrero enters Tuesday with zero home runs on the year. For perspective, in 2024, he had 30 home runs, and he has had 30 or more in three of the past four seasons, including 47 in 2021.
On Tuesday, one Blue Jays insider attributed Guerrero’s home run drought to the extension.
Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Home Run Drought Due to His New Blue Jays Contract?
Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, who covers the Blue Jays, hopped on Sportsnet 590 THE FAN and was asked about the zero home runs.
“The 26-game homeless streak is the second-longest of Guerrero’s career, so it’s quite surprising to see given his ability.
“I understand the value of good process and good at-bats, I also don’t really care about them,” Matheson said. “I do believe it’s definitely coming for Vladdy, and I understand why Jon Schneider says that, he’s right, frankly.”
“But you need to see it. It’s a right-now business. Vladdy’s being close,” Matheson said about his home runs. “Vladdy it’s just a bit off. When he turns on one, it’s gonna go to the moon and I think it’s going to happen soon.”
“I’d imagine, having a contract negotiation this large, it’s got to wear on you a little bit, I don’t care what you say. It’s a half-a-billion dollars…A free and easy and fun-loving Vladdy is the best version of him.”
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“I think this will come together quickly, and when it does, it’ll be loud, it’ll be constant, but they need it,” Matheson concluded.
The Blue Jays as a team enter April 15 with just nine home runs, which is second-to-last in the league, so it isn’t just Guerrero.
George Spring (2) and Andres Gimenez (3) are the only Blue Jays with more than one home run on the year, so it’s quite the slow start in that matter for the team. However, Gimenez hasn’t hit one since March 31.
Does the $500 million deal weigh down Guerrero’s mind? Possibly, and Matheson feels that way a bit about his sluggish start.
Guerrero is hitting .284 with seven RBI and five runs scored, although only four of his 19 hits have been extra-base knocks.
Only time will tell if the Blue Jays and Guerrero can escape this home run drought.