Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is having a season to forget with the Toronto Blue Jays, as his struggles at the plate have become a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Once hailed as one of baseball's premier power hitters, Guerrero's performance this year has left many questioning what has gone wrong.
As of September 1, Guerrero has managed to hit only seven home runs throughout the entire season. This is particularly alarming given that he has participated in almost every game, yet his home run total is alarmingly low. In stark contrast, Guerrero had impressive seasons in the past, belting 48 home runs in 2021, followed by 32 in 2022, 26 in 2023, 30 in 2024, and 23 in 2025. His consistent power hitting had made him a key player for the Blue Jays, especially during their postseason runs.
However, this season has been a stark deviation from his previous form. The $500 million man is now at risk of not even reaching double-digit home runs, a statistic that would have been unfathomable just a few years ago. His struggles have not gone unnoticed, with fans on social media drawing comparisons between Guerrero and emerging rookie talents.
One of the most notable comparisons comes from St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez, who made headlines by hitting three home runs in his MLB debut and has since accumulated six home runs in just 17 games. In a striking statistic, Baez has nearly matched Guerrero's home run total despite having played 106 fewer games. This juxtaposition has led to a wave of online commentary, highlighting Guerrero's unexpected decline.
Another rookie, Mickey Gasper of the Boston Red Sox, has also drawn attention for his performance. Gasper has matched Guerrero's seven home runs while only needing 140 at-bats, compared to Guerrero's 466. Such comparisons have intensified the scrutiny on Guerrero, as fans and analysts alike wonder how a player of his caliber could be outperformed by newcomers.
Adding to the narrative of Guerrero's struggles is a specific moment from late August that encapsulates his season. During a game against the Seattle Mariners, Guerrero hit a ball with an exit velocity of over 116 miles per hour, yet it resulted in a routine out. This incident not only highlights his misfortunes but also raises questions about his ability to convert hard contact into meaningful results.
As the Blue Jays continue their campaign, the hope remains that Guerrero can rediscover his hitting prowess. The franchise has invested heavily in him, and as their star player, he is expected to lead by example. However, with the season drawing to a close, it is clear that Guerrero's 2026 campaign will be one he would prefer to forget.
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