Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is standing by comments he made during a recent interview regarding his performance this season after signing a 14-year, $500 million contract last year.
In an interview with Spanish-language reporter Veronica Batista, Guerrero was asked about his struggles in the first season after signing a 14-year, $500-million extension with the Blue Jays in April, 2025. Guerrero told Batista that he was being paid for what he had done in the past, not what he was going to do in the future.
The comments received backlash from fans.
"I want people to understand one thing. The money they gave me wasn't for what I'm going to do. It was for what I already did," Guerrero told Batista. "They didn't pay me because I'm going to hit 40 [home runs] every year. They paid me for what I already accomplished. People are confused about that, but I think the same way they do. Like, sometimes I even say to myself, 'Bro, they gave you all that money and you're out here doing nothing.' But I try.
"You know how it is with fans, when you're good, they're with you 100%. But when you smell like s---, like we like to say here, nobody supports you. The ones who support you are the ones who stay with you. Those are my real fans and I considered them my family."
Asked about those comments following the Blue Jays being eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday afternoon, Guerrero stood by them.
"No, I don't regret myself. I'm not lying with what I say," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "I understand some fans, they don't understand the way and what I was trying to say specifically, but what I said is the way I feel."
Guerrero is having one of his worst seasons at the plate, entering Wednesday hitting .263 with nine home runs and 56 RBIs in 140 games.