Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won’t be heading to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game, and for the Blue Jays, that’s probably the best news they’ve gotten from his season in a while.
Guerrero was voted in as the American League’s starting first baseman for the 2026 All-Star Game on July 14, but he quickly made it clear he would pass on the trip. The reason is straightforward: he’s been dealing with lower back issues for nearly a month, and he wants the break to heal up and get ready for the second half.
“I’m very grateful for everybody who voted for me. But, at this time, respectfully, I’m declining to go [to the All-Star Game],” Guerrero said. “I decided to rest and to prepare myself for the second half of the season.”
He also said the choice was already made a week before the voting results were announced.
For Toronto, the timing matters. Guerrero’s 2026 season has been rough, with only four home runs by July and none of them coming at home.
His last 10 games have been especially quiet: a .162 batting average, a .460 OPS, three RBIs and no home runs, with his last homer coming on Jun. 18.
That kind of production would be a concern even without the back issue hanging over everything. With it, the case for rest becomes even stronger. The Blue Jays should have at least considered putting him on the injured reserve list.
Still, there’s reason to believe Guerrero can turn things around once the calendar flips. His second-half numbers have been much better in recent seasons.
In 2025, he hit .277/.384/.434 with an .818 OPS before the break, then jumped to .314/.376/.515 and an .891 OPS after it. In 2024, he went from .289/.360/.457 and an .818 OPS before the break to .376/.450/.678 and a 1.127 OPS after.
That’s why this decision feels less like a setback than a necessary pause. The All-Star Game can wait. Toronto needs Guerrero healthy far more than it needs him in Philadelphia.
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