MLB legend backs Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after podcast comments

The Toronto Blue Jays have endured a highly disappointing season after winning the American League last year.

The Blue Jays have now officially been eliminated from MLB postseason contention after being swept by the Baltimore Orioles earlier this week. The team struggled to find consistent production throughout the season, and now sits in last place in the AL East at 77-82.

One of the biggest disappointments during an overall frustrating season has been first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr .

The six-time All-Star signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with Toronto in April of 2025 and followed it with an excellent season and a trip to the World Series. However, in the 2026 season, he has seen a steep drop-off in production.

Sep 18, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) walks to the dugout after the end of the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Guerrero is slashing .263/.335/.360 with just nine home runs and 56 RBIs in 142 games. His .695 OPS is the lowest mark of his career. With Toronto's season effectively over, Guerrero's recent comments surrounding his contract were met with a flurry of scrutiny.

In a conversation with Veronica Batista, Guerrero said in Spanish, "The money they gave me wasn't for what I'm going to do. It was for what I already did. They didn't pay me because I'm going to hit 40 every year. They paid me for what I already accomplished."

Given his struggles this season, fans criticized the comments. Guerrero later stood by his remarks, making it clear he is not looking to avoid responsibility.

Guerrero has since received support from Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martínez , who is also Guerrero's godfather. Martínez defended Guerrero, stating he was misunderstood and was not intending to excuse his current performance.

Phillip Feliz spoke with Martínez , who said, "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."

Pedro 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

Pedro 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's comments may have sounded poorly timed given his and the team's struggles this season. However, Martínez wants critics to know that the contract rewarded what Guerrero had already established while also reflecting the belief that he can still produce at a high level moving forward.

For Guerrero, a rebound at the plate next season will be the clearest way to move past this controversy. With 13 seasons left on his deal, he has plenty of time to show Blue Jays fans that he can live up to the expectations of his extension.