Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pushed back on the criticism surrounding his massive contract amid a disappointing 2026 season.
The Blue Jays slugger acknowledged the pressure that has come with his 14-year, $500 million extension while discussing his struggles and flack he’s received from Toronto fans.
“The contract I got was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I’m going to do,” Guerrero told Telemicro News, as translated by Héctor Gómez. “I understand why the fans believe it’s the other way around. Sometimes I think that way too, like, ‘Oh, they give me this money and I’m not doing enough,’ but you know I try my best and I’m working hard.”
Guerrero, 27, has failed to live up to his MVP-caliber standards this season, batting .263 with just nine home runs, 56 RBIs and a .695 OPS heading into Wednesday’s play.
The six-time All-Star had hit at least 23 long balls in each of his previous five full seasons.
Perhaps most puzzling, Guerrero didn’t hit a home run at Rogers Centre until Sept. 13, adding another bizarre wrinkle to the season.
His struggles have coincided with a setback season for Toronto, which entered Wednesday 77-80 and on the verge of missing the postseason after nearly winning the World Series last October.
Guerrero admitted that some of the support he has received has faded along with his production.
“The fans, I know how they are,” Guerrero said. “When you are doing great they are 100 percent behind you, but when you are not at your best, not everybody is behind you, almost nobody supports you.
“Those are my real fans, the ones that are supporting me all the time.”
