Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is standing by the remarks he made in a recent interview about his performance this season, following the signing of a 14‑year, $500 million contract last year.
During a conversation with Spanish‑language reporter Veronica Batista, Guerrero discussed his struggles after agreeing to the 14‑year, $500 million extension in April 2025 (which runs from the 2026 season through 2039). He explained that the deal compensates him for past achievements rather than future production.
The remarks drew criticism from fans.
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“I want people to understand one thing. The money they gave me wasn’t for what I’m going to do; it was for what I already did,” Guerrero told Batista. “They didn’t pay me because I’m expected to hit 40 home runs every year. They paid me for what I have already accomplished. People are confused about that, but I see it the same way they do. Sometimes I even tell myself, ‘Bro, they gave you all that money and you’re out here doing nothing.’ But I keep trying.
“You know how fans react: when you’re performing well, they’re behind you 100 %. When you’re not, it feels like nobody supports you—as we like to say here, when you ‘smell like s—‘. The ones who stay loyal are my true fans, and I consider them family.”
When asked about those comments after the Blue Jays, the defending AL champions, were eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday, Guerrero stood firm.
“I don’t regret what I said. I’m not being dishonest,” Guerrero said through an interpreter. “I know some fans don’t grasp the nuance of what I was trying to convey, but what I expressed is exactly how I feel.”
Guerrero is enduring one of his worst offensive seasons, posting a .263 batting average with nine home runs and 56 RBIs over 142 games.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted on Wednesday that Guerrero’s remarks came at an unfortunate time and emphasized that the slugger has been working hard to improve this season.
“The Vladimir I know as a person and a player is not someone who would simply say, ‘I got paid, I’m good,’ and stop trying,” Schneider said. “I understand his work ethic, his competitiveness, and his role as a teammate. He will keep pushing to have a better year than this one and to return to the form we saw last postseason, when he helped lead us to the World Series.”
