Vladimir Guerrero Jr. came to the majors with high expectations. Not only was he one of the top prospects in baseball, but he is also the son of a Hall of Famer. The Toronto Blue Jays expected Guerrero to be a key part in their rebuild, a franchise cornerstone that would develop into a star.
While Guerrero was solid in his first two seasons in the majors, he was not the immediate impact player that he was expected to be. He had just 24 homers in his first 757 plate appearances, his power simply not manifesting with Toronto although he was hitting the ball hard. It was easy to start to think of Guerrero as a bust.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. takes shot with custom Toronto Blue Jays jersey
Those same people that were saying that Guerrero was a disappointment are now celebrating his accomplishments. He had an impressive breakout in 2021, posting an AL leading 163 OPS+ with 48 homers and 29 doubles. Guerrero made his first All Star Game and won a Silver Slugger while finishing second in the MVP vote.
But Guerrero remembers everything that had been said about him before the season. However, just in case he forgot, he had a custom jersey made, with his number and the word “BUST” in place of his name.
Chances are, that is not a phrase Guerrero will hear in regards to his performance again. He is looking to take further strides forward next year as he is not satisfied. If Guerrero can replicate, or somehow surpass his 2021 showing, the Blue Jays may well find themselves in the playoffs once again.
He certainly has the motivation needed to take those steps. The chip on his shoulder is literal, with his custom jersey as a reminder of how people viewed someone who was a 20 year old rookie. If Guerrero is able to join his illustrious father in the Hall of Fame some day, that jersey could be a factor.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took the negativity about his performance early in his career and is using it to his advantage.