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Toronto Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. intends to return to third

By Adam Taylor McKillop

LAKELAND, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields during batting practice prior to the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields during batting practice prior to the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. voiced his intention to play third base in 2021.

Throughout the 2020 regular season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played in all 60 games. His 2020 looked a little different than his rookie campaign in 2019, however.

The biggest difference? Guerrero Jr. saw the entirety of his action at first base or as a designated hitter. The Toronto Blue Jays decided to move Vlad Jr. away from third base because of multiple factors. It’s unclear which factor played the biggest decision, but these factors included a nagging knee injury and his struggles at the hot corner.

In 2019, Guerrero Jr. struggled mightily at third base, recording 17 errors and a .936 fielding percentage. His move to first base improved these numbers drastically. Last year, in 34 games at first base, the young slugger recorded only three errors and a .990 fielding percentage.

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Still, Guerrero Jr. is vocal about his intentions to return to third base. During a recent interview reported by Emily Sadler of Sportsnet Canada, Vlad Jr. made these intentions clear.

“Right after the season ended I told them I played first base this year but next year the third base is mine,” said Guerrero Jr. “I’m already improving my skills as a third baseman….but I’m going back to my position, which is third base.”

Guerrero Jr. is prepared to put in the work necessary to reclaim his natural position. According to Sadler, the 21-year-old has lost 32 pounds and has been putting in long days of work to improve his defensive skills.

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The Toronto Blue Jays will ultimately make this decision as a club. Last season, Travis Shaw owned the starting third baseman role in Toronto. Shaw enters the offseason as a free agent, with the club considering options to bring him back. Last year, Shaw played 37 games at third base, only recording two errors and a .977 fielding percentage.

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