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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recent struggles suggest an uncertain future
Photo credit: Sports Illustrated
Kevin Gausman believed he had fulfilled his duty. He induced a weak ground ball from Kyle Isbel to third baseman Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, aiming to escape a tough situation in the top of the fifth inning, with the Toronto Blue Jays holding onto a 2-0 lead. Kiner-Falefa made a precise throw across the diamond. However, within five minutes, the Blue Jays found themselves unexpectedly trailing 3-2.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., once celebrated as the 2021 American League MVP runner-up and cover athlete for MLB The Show, has encountered a stark decline in form. A pivotal play in a recent game saw Guerrero Dropping a crucial throw, leading to a momentum shift and eventual loss for the Blue Jays. This incident underscores broader concerns about Guerrero's performance trajectory and his future with the team.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s statistics
While Guerrero's 2021 season showcased exceptional offensive prowess, leading the American League in various statistical categories, his subsequent seasons have witnessed a notable decline. His OPS+, a key indicator of offensive performance, has steadily decreased over consecutive seasons, with a significant drop evident in the current year's early games. Guerrero's offensive metrics, including barrel rate and expected batting average, have also plummeted to their lowest points since 2020.
While Guerrero's 2021 season showcased exceptional offensive prowess, leading the American League in various statistical categories, his subsequent seasons have witnessed a notable decline. His OPS+, a key indicator of offensive performance, has steadily decreased over consecutive seasons, with a significant drop evident in the current year's early games. Guerrero's offensive metrics, including barrel rate and expected batting average, have also plummeted to their lowest points since 2020.
Moreover, Guerrero's recent struggles extend beyond statistical measures; his on-field contributions have failed to meet expectations, adversely impacting the team's performance. Despite being regarded as a cornerstone player for the Blue Jays, Guerrero's output has fallen short, raising questions about his long-term role with the team. The organization's reliance on Guerrero as a primary offensive force has failed to yield the anticipated results, placing additional pressure on him to deliver consistently.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s future
As Guerrero approaches eligibility for a contract extension, uncertainties loom over his future with the Blue Jays. Once viewed as a cost-controlled star talent, Guerrero's escalating salary demands and declining performance pose significant challenges for the team's future plans. Should Guerrero fail to reclaim his previous level of excellence, the possibility of a trade becomes increasingly plausible, mirroring similar scenarios witnessed across the league.
As Guerrero approaches eligibility for a contract extension, uncertainties loom over his future with the Blue Jays. Once viewed as a cost-controlled star talent, Guerrero's escalating salary demands and declining performance pose significant challenges for the team's future plans. Should Guerrero fail to reclaim his previous level of excellence, the possibility of a trade becomes increasingly plausible, mirroring similar scenarios witnessed across the league.
In essence, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s recent struggles present profound challenges for the Blue Jays, prompting a reassessment of their future strategies and reliance on the young star. While Guerrero's potential remains undeniable, his current downturn in performance casts a shadow of uncertainty over his tenure with the team.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 25 | 143 ANSWERS Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recent struggles suggest an uncertain future Will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bounce back in the near future? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 32.2 % |
| No | 97 | 67.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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