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Vlad Jr. Struggles: Jays Manager Defends Star Slugger
20 Jun
Summary
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $500 million extension last season.
- He has only hit three home runs in the current 2026 season.
- Manager John Schneider supports Guerrero Jr. despite recent struggles.
The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating a challenging 2026 season marked by inconsistency. A key focus has been on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who signed a substantial long-term extension last season. His production, particularly his power, has been below expectations, with only three home runs to date and none recorded in the past month.
Manager John Schneider addressed speculation about moving Guerrero Jr. down in the batting order. Schneider emphasized Guerrero Jr.'s talent and the immense pressure he faces as the face of the franchise. He believes demoting him would not be beneficial and could inadvertently fuel negative narratives, preferring a focus on confidence and patience to help the star hitter regain his form.
