Joey Votto tries to diagnose why Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is struggling

The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled throughout the 2026 season. Following their AL Pennant-winning season a year ago, expectations were high for the Blue Jays. Unfortunately, the team has struggled, and much of the spotlight has been on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Guerrero was a star for Toronto over the last few seasons. However, his offensive production has fallen off hard. The veteran slugger has slashed .261/.338/.356 with just seven home runs to his name in 2026. All of those home runs have come on the road. On Tuesday, former MLB star Joey Votto provided his thoughts on what’s gone wrong.

“Watching the Blue Jays game. Vladdy’s just not ‘back-legging’ or ‘back-hipping’ balls. His forward move is delaying his barrel from snapping in place. He sees the ball, knows it’s drivable, but his move causes the bat to lag. Keeps him from getting the barrel to the (sweet spot),” Votto wrote on social media.

Guerrero turned in incredible offensive production prior to 2026. In fact, he had five consecutive seasons with 20+ home runs, with four of those going for 25+ and three going for more than 30. He also has a history of hitting for contact, earning a batting average north of .300 in 2021 and 2024.

Unfortunately, something has changed this season. Guerrero is no longer hitting for immense power. He is on pace for fewer than 20 home runs, and has only 19 doubles to this point in the year. On Tuesday, he went 1-for-4, recording a single he failed to turn into a double.

The Blue Jays are hoping for a good finish to the season. They will go for a sweep over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.

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