Vladimir Guerrero Jr. spent Friday trying to put his contract remarks back in the clubhouse, offering an apology after a week in which his words became as much a story as his difficult finish to the season.
The result
Through team interpreter Hector Lebron, Guerrero said he regretted how he expressed himself and apologized to those affected by the comments.
“What I said the other day was not what I truly meant to communicate,” Guerrero said. “Everybody deserves an apology from me. I want everyone to know I will keep working hard and make this contract worthwhile.”
Guerrero said his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, told him he had made an error and needed to address it publicly.
The issue began earlier in the week during a Spanish-language interview with Veronica Batista. Guerrero said the Blue Jays had not committed $500 million over 14 years because they expected him to hit 40 home runs every season, but because of the work and accomplishments already on his record.
After Toronto was officially eliminated from postseason contention Wednesday, Guerrero initially did not walk the statement back. He said he was not lying about how he felt, while acknowledging that some fans may not have understood the point he intended to make.
Friday brought a different tone. For Guerrero, the apology arrives during the final weekend of a season that has been rough both on the stat sheet and physically.
| 2026 season through 142 games | Figure |
|---|---|
| Batting average | .263 |
| OPS+ | 92 |
| Home runs | 9 |
The 92 OPS+ sits below the league-average mark of 100, and Guerrero’s production is on pace to be the lowest of his career. He has also dealt with injuries for much of the year, including back trouble, and spent time on the concussion injured list last month.
There is no clean way to separate the contract conversation from the season around it. Guerrero remains the face of a major long-term commitment, but Friday was an effort to make clear that he understands the responsibility that comes with it—and that he intends to keep earning it.
