Should the drastic lack of power from Toronto Blue Jays slugging first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. be a major concern?
Lack of Production From Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays First Baseman Not Hitting For Power
Blue Jays fans could argue that last season, this feared slugger hit only two home runs in April before picking up the pace with six in May, then, after mashing four in June, found his stroke and exploded for 23 round-trippers in July.
However, this time around, things seem different as Guerrero Jr., who, through a quarter of the season, has only two home runs along with 18 RBIs, and amazingly is in the midst of an alarming streak which has seen the 27-year-old go 50 consecutive at-bats without collecting an extra-base hit.
It was only a few months ago when, last October, Guerrero Jr. showed he still has that elite power when, during the MLB playoffs, his bat was on fire as he hit eight home runs while posting a 1.289 OPS as the Jays made it to the World Series before losing a heartbreaking Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During the first 10 games in May, Guerrero Jr. is hitting only .122 (five hits in 37 at-bats) with an OPS of 318 with no extra-base hits.
Competing in the 2025 World Baseball Classic, Guerrero Jr. played well for the Dominican Republic, where he contributed with two home runs and eight RBIs. Considered among the favorites, the Dominican Republic made it to the semi-finals where they lost to the USA.
Meanwhile, the Jays, who with a 19-25 record, are second last in the American League East, 9.5 games out, have to be at the season’s quarter pole mark, a little concerned about their talented first baseman.
Guerrero Jr. Not the Only MLB Star Off To Slow Start
Not surprisingly, Guerrero Jr. is far from being the only major leaguer off to a slow start.
A look around the major leagues find quite a number of players off to alarmingly slow starts. The following is a list of five of the many players currently looking to find their stroke::
1. Fernando Tatis Jr.
San Diego Padres 27 year-old veteran outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., who last season smacked 25 home runs, is as of May 16th still looking for that first home run of the year. Tatis Jr., who back back in 2021 had a career season of 42 home runs and 97 RBIs, could be feeling the immense pressure of the 14-year $340 million dollar contract he signed back on February 17, 2021.
Realistically, like Guerrero Jr. it seem like only a matter of time before he gets untracked. Tatis has the impressive track record which has seen him score 491 runs, hit 152 home runs, 758 hits, 408 RBI’s and 134 stolen bases in his career. With such elite skill, Tatis will more than likely end the season with over 30 home runs and 100 RBI’s.
2. Cal Raleigh
Seattle Mariners 29-year-old catcher Cal Raleigh, who is coming off a historical 60 home run, 125 RBI campaign and a .247 batting average, has gotten off to an incredibly slow start. While it’s safe to say that baseball fans and media didn’t expect Raleigh to duplicate last year’s numbers, I don’t think they believed he would be hitting in mid-May for a .161 average.
In a recent seven-game span, Raleigh showed to be coming around when he hit five home runs in seven games before being injured and going on the disabled list with a right oblique strain. Raleigh, who is affectionately known as ”Big Dumper,” also has a proven track record and once he’s healthy and the weather warms up, should find his groove and become among the home runs and RBI leaders. Currently, Raleigh has hit only 7 home runs and 18 RBI’s.
3. Jesus Luzardo
Philadelphia Phillies 28-year-old starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo gave the organization and fans alike reasons to get excited following a breakout career season, which saw him go 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts. So far in his first nine starts, has gone 3-3 with a 5.07 ERA.
Looking to rebound after a bad outing against the Colorado Rockies, Luzardo gave Phillies fans reason to get excited as he was absolutely dominant when on Thursday, May 14th at Fenway Park, he surrendered only four hits while striking out four batters and not allowing a run in his six innings of work during what turned into a Phillies 3-1 win against the Boston Red Sox.
4. Bo Bichette
New York Mets 28 year-old third baseman Bo Bichette is having a nightmare start with his new team. Following a standout seven-year tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, this two-time MLB All-Star decided last off-season as a free agent, to sign a three-year, $126 million dollar deal which includes an opt out about the first and second season. As a Met, he has moved from shortstop to third base and so far has hit only .218 with 38 hits, two home runs, 17 runs scored and 18 RBIs. Actually, the plan was for Bichette to play third but due to Francisco Lindor being injured, has moved back to shortstop.
Bichette is coming off a solid season which saw him record 181 hits, 44 doubles, 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .311 batting average for the Jays.
During his career Bichette was as mentioned earlier a two-time All-Star (2021, 2023), and in 2021 along with 2022 emerged as the AL hits leader. While he has been playing solid defence, the Mets are now just waiting for him to turn it around with the bat. Something that Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes will happen soon.
Vlad More Than Capable Of Salvaging the Season
It’s been proven over the years that Guerrero Jr. has the talent to bounce back from poor starts. As a result, fans shouldn’t be to concerned about his play during the season’s first quarter.
Guerrero Jr. who already has 1,122 hits, 185 home runs and 609 RBI’s in his career has also won an assortment of individual baseball awards including winning the 2022 AL Gold Glove for first basemen, along with capturing two Silver Slugger Awards (2021, 2024), AL Hank Aaron Award winner and MLB home run leader in 2021.
This five time All-Star also was named the 2025 ALCS MVP which all proves that Vladdy is an exceptional hitter and will eventually find his zone.
What makes it more of a desperate situation for Toronto are all the injuries to key players such as outfielders Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes and of course former 40 plus home run hitter Anthony Santander who is more than likely out for the season.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
