Vladimir Guerrero still hopes to revive his MLB career and has signed with the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League. (Image Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
Vladimir Guerrero, once viewed as one of the most feared hitters in all of Major League Baseball, has signed a deal and will join the Long Island Ducks, part of the Independent Atlantic League. Guerrero, now 38, had made an effort over the winter to find a minor league deal, but failed to attract any serious interest.
News of Guerrero’s signing, and additional details surrounding his decision, were first reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Guerrero apparently received interest from multiple clubs, including a serious pursuit by a team based in Quebec, but elected to join the Ducks due to his familiarity with Long Island and the fact that their season begins the soonest. Guerrero’s focus appears to be on earning another chance in the Major Leagues. He’s openly expressed a desire to reach 500 career home runs.
A 16 year MLB veteran, Guerrero holds a career line of .318/.379/.553 with 449 HR in 9,059 PA. He’s a nine-time All Star, won eight Silver Slugger Awards, and the 2004 AL MVP. His last season in the Majors came in 2011, when he hit .290/.317/.416 with 13 HR in 590 PA as the DH of the Baltimore Orioles. He signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to last season, but requested his release after just 12 games.