Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Backtracks on $500 Million Contract Remarks

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. issued an apology Friday for comments regarding his 14-year, $500 million contract after previously stating he was paid for past accomplishments.

Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologized Friday for remarks made during a Spanish-language interview with "Grandes Ligas" regarding his 14-year, $500 million contract. Guerrero had previously stated in a clip set to air Oct. 4 that the team paid him for what he had already accomplished rather than for hitting 40 home runs every year. The first baseman expressed regret through a translator, noting he had spoken to his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, and his teammates to address the comments.

The apology follows a season where Guerrero has posted career-low totals for a non-shortened campaign, recording a .263 batting average with nine home runs and 56 RBIs. His performance has been impacted by a concussion, a back injury, and right hamstring tightness. These figures contrast with his career statistics of 192 home runs, 647 RBIs, and a .285 average across six All-Star seasons.

Guerrero’s deal ranks as the third-largest in MLB history by total value, trailing only Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, and features a record $325 million signing bonus. Despite saying he stood by his remarks following a Wednesday loss to Baltimore that eliminated Toronto from the postseason, Guerrero stated Friday that he intends to work hard to justify the contract. Last year, the infielder hit eight postseason home runs before the Blue Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 11 innings.