As Spring Training begins, Canadian fans are looking forward to watching their team – the Toronto Blue Jays – and one of its key stars. That’s Blue Jays’ slugger, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While his last season was good enough, it wasn’t great. And, there was a lot of offseason chatter that has suggested that he should be doing better. Some fans are critical of Guerrero’s fitness.
However, there was news that he’s been on a new regimen and has added some possible adjustments to his swing. Can he improve? He’s working to make the kind of adjustments that would lead to a resurgence of his stellar 2021 form.
Comparing His 2021 Season with His 2023 Season
Guerrero Jr.’s best season was in 2021. In 2021, he had an outstanding batting average of .311, which was the highest batting average of his career. He also achieved career-highs in several other key offensive categories, including slugging percentage (.601), on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS, 1.002), runs scored (123), hits (188), home runs (48), runs batted in (111), walks (86), and total bases (363).
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His performance in 2021 earned him recognition as the runner-up for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the American League.
In comparison to his standout 2021 season, Guerrero Jr.’s 2023 season was still solid but less impressive. His batting average in 2023 was .264, which was much lower than his .311 batting average in 2021. While still respectable, it was a large decrease from his best performance. His slugging percentage in 2023 was .480, also lower than his 2021 slugging percentage (.601). As well, his OPS in 2023 was .788, down from his outstanding 2021 OPS of 1.002.
Guerrero hit 26 home runs in 2023, a drop from his career-high 48 home runs in 2021. He also had fewer hits, runs scored, runs batted in, and total bases compared to his 2021 season. That doesn’t mean that, despite these decreases in offensive production, he wasn’t an asset to the Blue Jays. He still contributed significantly to the Blue Jays’ lineup.
Can Guerrero Lift His Entire Production?
Overall, while his 2023 season might not have reached the same heights as his 2021 campaign, Guerrero remained a key player for the Blue Jays. He continued to demonstrate his offensive capabilities at the Major League level. However, there is room for improvement. In the end, Guerrero’s performance on the field will ultimately help determine his team’s success for the upcoming season.
In scrutinizing Guerrero’s recent seasons, it’s evident that improvement is key. Despite flashes of brilliance, there remain doubts that, while Guerrero is a “very good” player, he might not be the generational talent he showed potential to be in 2021. His talent is undeniable; and, it would seem he could dominate the game like few others can. However, there’s been a challenge in translating that potential into consistent results.
Is Bo Bichette Becoming the Face of This Blue Jays Team?
While Guerrero has slipped a bit, Bo Bichette has risen. He’s emerged as a cornerstone for the Blue Jays. Still, Guerrero’s impact on the team’s identity cannot be overstated. There’s just something about the fun-loving Spanish-speaking player that is attractive. He has that intangible quality to dominate with his presence in ways that few others can. In that, he’s capable of transforming the atmosphere with his amazing play and infectious energy.
For example, Bichette is quieter than his teammate. It would be hard to imagine him, in the way that Guerrero would do it, with his chest pumping after a walk-off home run, proclaiming, “This is my house!” to a roaring crowd. That’s the kind of excitement Guerrero brings to the field. He could be the heart and soul of this Blue Jays’ team.
For Blue Jays Fans, It’s Going to Be a Fun Season – Regardless
As the season unfolds, Blue Jays fans are waiting to see if there will be a resurgence of Guerrero’s talent. He has the potential for greatness. Could this be the season he translates that talent into reality and does it through the playoffs, as well?
It could be electrifying for Canadian baseball if Guerrero were to reclaim his status as one of baseball’s best offensive forces.
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