Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologized for remarks he made in a Spanish-language interview about his $500-million contract after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologized for comments he made in a Spanish-language interview, speaking to reporters Friday at Rogers Centre before the start of the Blue Jays’ season-ending series against the Cincinnati Reds.
“I regret my comments the other day,” Guerrero said through an interpreter. He said he felt his fans and teammates needed an apology and added that he would continue working to make his contract “great.”
The apology followed a social media backlash after a preview clip from an earlier conversation circulated online. In that clip with Veronica Batista of Noticias Telemicro, Guerrero discussed sleepless nights tied to anxiety over his performance and addressed an on-and-off back injury he said was not an excuse for his struggles at the plate.
In the circulated remarks, Guerrero appeared to suggest that the contract was based on what he had already accomplished rather than what he planned to do going forward, saying he received his $500-million, 14-year deal not “for what I’m going to do, it was for what I already did.” He made the point that his pay reflected his past production rather than a future promise to reach specific home run or hitting marks each year.
On Friday, Guerrero said he had taken additional time to consider his comments and felt they did not reflect what he wanted to say. He also said the season has been difficult. “It’s been a disappointing year for me,” he said. “I couldn’t help my team to accomplish our goal. It’s hard for me.”
Guerrero said he spoke with his father, a Hall of Fame player, about his remarks. He said his father told him what he did was wrong and advised him to make sure he does things “right now,” including offering an apology to fans.
The apology came as the Blue Jays officially were eliminated from playoff contention on Friday, ending their postseason hopes for the 2026 season. Guerrero’s season, which included a strong postseason last year that helped Toronto reach Game 7 of the World Series, has dipped from expectations in 2026.
Statistically, Guerrero is slashing .263/.335/.695 with nine home runs and 56 RBIs in the regular season. His power output has been limited at Rogers Centre specifically, with only one of his home runs recorded at the team’s home ballpark.
Ahead of the final series against the Reds, Guerrero’s remarks and subsequent apology underscored the pressure surrounding his performance and public statements as the team turned fully toward finishing out the schedule.
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