Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar believes Vladimir Guerrero Jr. still has some growing up to do after the star first baseman raised eyebrows by making comments about his contract amid a career-worst season.
Guerrero told Dominican reporter Veronika Batista that the Blue Jays gave him a 14-year, $500-million extension for what he already did rather than what he's going to do. The six-time All-Star then doubled down on his remarks after Toronto was eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday.
"I just think it shows a little bit of immaturity, and obviously it couldn't have come at a worse time for him," Pillar said Thursday during an appearance on "Foul Territory."
Guerrero has nine home runs (one at home) with 56 RBIs and a .695 OPS over 142 games this season. His homer output ties his previous career low set across 60 contests during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
The 27-year-old hit 160 homers with 507 RBIs and an .863 OPS from 2019-24 before signing his new contract in April 2025. He led the Blue Jays to the World Series last year by putting together one of the best individual postseasons in MLB history. However, in 2026, Guerrero's power disappeared despite him playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at first.
"There is a little bit of truth in what he said," Pillar added. "A lot of times when you get a big contract, you are getting paid for what you had done, but (it's not) great timing for a player who's coming off his worst season by a long shot."
Guerrero is still owed almost $460 million over 13 years and has a full no-trade clause.
