The Toronto Blue Jays entered 2026 with high expectations after reaching the World Series last season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was at the center of those hopes, particularly after signing a blockbuster contract that made him the undisputed face of the franchise.
Instead of meeting those expectations, though, Toronto has spent much of the season searching for the offensive identity that carried it through 2025. Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
That makes a recent message from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney worth highlighting, as he made no secret of his admiration for Toronto’s franchise player, even as the Blue Jays sit in last place in the American League East division.
Toronto Blue Jays Hit Last Place As Vladimir Guerrero Jr Struggles
Guerrero’s season has not matched the standards set by his $500 million extension from last year. His .358 slugging percentage on the year would be a career low.
As the Blue Jays struggle to push themselves into a wild card playoff spot despite their last-place division standing, the franchise slugger is representative of the team’s overall disappointment.
“That $500 million contract signs you up for expectations and criticisms that others simply don’t face. We can debate where the line is on what’s fair,’ but part of Guerrero’s job description is now to take on more media responsibilities, more pressure and more responsibility than everyone else in that clubhouse,” Keegan Matheson wrote recently for MLB.com. “Guerrero isn’t the only reason the Blue Jays are in this spot, only one of dozens. If you look at that long list, though, Guerrero’s name stands out.”
The context is important because Toronto’s offensive problems have been difficult to ignore. The Blue Jays struggled to produce runs consistently for much of the season, while Guerrero endures one of the worst power stretches of his career.
Toronto Blue Jays Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr Gets Message From Prime Minister Mark Carney
There have been signs of a turnaround for the Blue Jays, though time is running out.
Guerrero homered in the first inning of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, helping Toronto secure its seventh win in 10 games. The Blue Jays have also won four consecutive series, excluding their makeup-game loss to the Chicago Cubs, and remain within striking distance of the American League Wild Card race.
And as some fans of the team keep their hopes of a playoff run alive, Carney marked himself among them.
“You got to believe we are going to get that wild card,” Carney said in a video posted to his X profile on Sunday.
And speaking about his favorite Blue Jays player, Carney delivered an emphatic endorsement of Guerrero amid a harsh season.
“My favourite player is Vladdy, Vladdy Guerrero Jr., Carney added. “He’s everything, including as an individual.”
Ultimately, the prime minister summed up his thoughts on the slumping $500 million slugger with a four-word message: “He’s the real deal,” Carney said.
The message is a reminder of Guerrero’s importance to Canadian baseball and to the Blue Jays organization. Even during a difficult season, he remains one of the country’s most recognizable sports figures and plenty of fans still believe he is the best player to lead the franchise.