The Toronto Blue Jays are enduring one of the most disappointing seasons in baseball. Looking ahead to next year, they’re already considering a key change to get back on track and compete for a postseason spot.
Despite the team’s struggles, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had an outstanding season, earning All-Star honors while hitting .318/.392/.555 with 27 home runs and 83 RBI, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s top hitters.
Guerrero Jr. originally played third base during his rookie season in 2019, but after some defensive challenges, the Blue Jays moved him to first base to better utilize his skills. The transition paid off as Guerrero Jr. became one of the top defensive first basemen in baseball, even winning a Gold Glove in 2022.
However, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Blue Jays are now considering moving Guerrero Jr. back to third base next season.
“The Blue Jays are exploring the possibility of having Vladimir Guerrero Jr. play third base next season and plan to use him more frequently in September,” Nightengale reported. “Considering the deep pool of free-agent first basemen this winter, led by Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, it will be easier to fill a hole at first base than at third base.”
The Blue Jays have already begun giving Guerrero Jr. more starts at third base this season, with him making eight starts. Although he has committed two errors, September’s lower-stakes games are ideal for him to reacclimate if the team intends to make this change permanent and pursue a big-name free agent at first base.
Moving Guerrero Jr. back to third base may weaken the Blue Jays’ infield defense. In his only full season at the position, he recorded 17 errors and a -20 outs above average, according to Baseball Savant. While the defense could suffer, the Blue Jays appear willing to take that risk if it allows them to strengthen other areas, especially first base, through free agency this offseason.
