Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showed up before the Toronto Blue Jays’ final homestand on Friday and did something he felt he owed the room: he apologized.
The 27-year-old met with reporters after his comments earlier this week blew up across social media, drawing criticism and putting his season, his contract talk and his relationship with Blue Jays fans under the microscope.
“The reason I'm here is that I regret my comments the other day… I feel from my heart, my fans, my teammates, they needed an apology from me, and that's why I'm here,” Guerrero said through Blue Jays translator Hector Lebron.
“Obviously, I'm also here to tell everyone that I'm going to continue working hard to make my contract a great one.”
The viral moment came after Guerrero told a Dominican reporter that he didn’t believe he was paid $500 million for what he’s going to do in a Blue Jays uniform - it’s for what he has already done. The clip raced around the internet, drawing more than 15 million views and sparking plenty of criticism about his mindset.
The timing only sharpened the blow. The comments spread on the same day the Blue Jays were mathematically eliminated from the postseason, with Guerrero still stuck in a frustrating stretch at the plate.
He has hit just nine home runs this season, which would make it the lowest total of his eight-year MLB career outside the shortened 2020 pandemic season.
Guerrero’s remarks went beyond the contract. He also aimed at Blue Jays fans, saying he felt they hadn’t backed him the way they should have through his struggles.
“The fans, I know how they are: when you are doing great, they are 100 per cent behind you, but when you are not at your best, not everybody is behind you; almost nobody supports you,” Guerrero said to the Dominican reporter.
“Those are my real fans, the ones that are supporting me all the time.”
Friday’s apology also came with a hard lesson from home. Guerrero said one of the toughest reactions came from his father, Hall of Fame outfielder Vlad Guerrero Sr.
“He told me what I did was wrong and to make sure that I do what I'm doing right now - to give my fans an apology,” Guerrero said through the team translator.
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