Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, the godfather of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., defended his godson after the six-time All-Star drew criticism for comments about his 14-year, $500 million contract.
During an interview with a Spanish-language reporter, Guerrero grew defensive about the extension he signed last year and whether he has lived up to the expectations that came with it.
“The money they gave me wasn't for what I'm going to do. It was for what I already did,” Guerrero said in an interview with Veronica Batista of Noticias Telemicro (via MLB.com). “They didn't pay me because I'm going to hit 40 every year. They paid me for what I already accomplished.”
The eight-year veteran later confirmed that the comments were accurately translated and said he did not regret making them. His remarks were poorly received by Blue Jays fans, particularly as Toronto's season has fallen short of expectations.
However, Martinez offered a different interpretation of what Guerrero intended to say.
“He was misinterpreted,” said Martinez. “What he meant is that contract came from what he's already done, and what he can still do. That’s a young man talking. He just didn’t explain himself the right way.”
Article Continues BelowPedro Martínez, Vladdy’s godfather, on the contract comments:
“He was misinterpreted. What he meant is that contract came from what he’s already done, and what he can still do. That’s a young man talking. He just didn’t explain himself the right way.” pic.twitter.com/W0wXvrGh5y
— Master Flip | Phillip Feliz 🇩🇴 (@Masterflip_) September 25, 2026
Guerrero eventually apologized for his comments on Friday.
“I regret my comments the other day,” he told reporters through an interpreter, via SportsNet. “I felt from my heart that my fans and my teammates needed an apology from me. I'm going to continue working hard to make my contract great.”
Guerrero also revealed that his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, had told him his remarks were a mistake.
The controversy comes after a disappointing 2026 campaign for Guerrero. Entering the Blue Jays' final three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, he had nine home runs and a .263/.335/.360 slash line. Those figures fall well short of the expectations from a player who had previously been a 40-home run hitter and whose contract carries an average annual value of $35 million.
Toronto also followed last year's World Series appearance with a losing record and will finish either fourth or fifth in the American League East, depending on the final three games.