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Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. publicly apologized to fans and teammates after a televised interview in which he stated he was paid for past accomplishments rather than future performance. Citing personal regret and a desire to make his large contract worthwhile, Guerrero acknowledged his disappointing season, which is marked by career-low home run and RBI totals due to injuries including a back issue, concussion, and hamstring tightness. The six-time All-Star has a record 12-year contract including a massive signing bonus and aims to continue working hard to meet expectations.
In the first season of the big deal, Guerrero said during an interview with the Dominican television program "Grandes Ligas" that he was being paid for what he had done in the past, not what he was going to do in the future.
A clip of the interview for a show to be aired Oct. 4 became public on Wednesday.
"They didn't pay me because I'm going to hit 40 every year," Guerrero said. "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.
' I try. ""The main reason I'm here is because I regret my comments the other day," Guerrero said Friday through a translator. "I feel from my heart that my fans, my teammates, they needed an apology from me and that's what I'm here for. Obviously, I'm also here because I'm just going to tell everyone that I'm going to continue to keep working hard to make my contract a great one.
"I just gave it some thought and I felt like the comments I made the other day is not what I really wanted to say, and I really feel that everyone, my fans, everyone deserves an apology from me and that's the main reason I'm here today. " A six-time All-Star, Guerrero entered Friday with a .285 career average, 192 homers, 647 RBIs and an .840 OPS.
Guerrero has slumped to a .263 average with nine home runs and 56 RBIs this year, slowed by a back injury, concussion and right hamstring tightness. His home run and RBI totals are career lows for a non-shortened season.
"It's been a disappointing year for me," Guerrero said. "I couldn't help my team more to accomplish our goal, which is hard for me. "Guerrero's contract also includes a record $325 million signing bonus that protects the money from a possible work stoppage. Guerrero said he had spoken to his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, and apologized to his Blue Jays teammates.
Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reacts after striking out swinging against Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. - The Associated Press Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs from first to third base on a hit by teammate Alejandro Kirk against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. - The Associated Press
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays Contract Apologetic Statement Injury Slump
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