(AP) — DUNEDIN, Florida Earlier this month, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. emerged victorious in pay arbitration.
The Toronto Blue Jays slugger now believes that his offseason work will pay off and lead to a successful season.
Following the Blue Jays’ first full-squad practice of the season on Tuesday, Guerrero stated, “I think I had a great offseason,” through an interpreter. “I accomplished what I set out to do. being in the same physical condition as I was in prior years, and I firmly think I accomplished that. Right now, I feel fantastic.
In salary arbitration, Guerrero received a record $19.9 million when a three-person panel decided to grant his request instead of accepting the Toronto Blue Jays’ $18.05 million offer.
Guerrero, a three-time All-Star first baseman, made $14.5 million last season while hitting.264 with 26 home runs and 94 RBIs. Following the 2025 season, he will be free to sign with another team.
Guerrero said that he hurt himself during many of the games, but he held himself responsible. Problems with his left wrist and right knee hindered him.
He remarked, “That’s not an excuse.” Sometimes you just have to get out on the field and give it your all, no matter how bad it aches. I’ll probably also hold that accountable because last year’s offseason wasn’t the best for my preparation.
In response to a specific question, Guerrero grinned and replied, “from head to toe.”
Guerrero advised, “Stay healthy throughout the season.” “Ensuring that I go out there painlessly every time I take the field so I can give my team and my teammates my all.”
Guerrero believes he was better before the 2021 season, which is regarded as his greatest, when he hit.311 with 111 RBIs and tied for the major league lead in home runs.
Teoscar Hernández, a Seattle outfielder, was given $14 million last year in high arbitration; Guerrero surpassed that amount. He is not resentful of advancement.
Guerrero stated, “It was a new experience for me, of course.” However, I don’t feel awful at all. I see this as a necessary component of the business. No animosity.
The younger Guerrero, who is the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, will be 25 next month. Five seasons and 130 home runs and 404 RBIs later, he has a.279 average with the Blue Jays.
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