Blue Jays radio host asks Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to 'strike out' for genuine reason

How often do you see a Toronto Blue Jays supporter wanting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to strike out? Probably never, but with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, a Blue Jays radio host wants the $500 million star to do exactly that.

Guerrero Jr. has been among league leaders in hitting into double play, with 19, only behind Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero (23) and Philadelphia's Alec Bohm (19).

Sportsnet radio host Jeff Blair said he'd rather see Guerrero strike out than see him kill rallies during the most important stretch of the season.

"I am at the point now with Vladdy that for 2026, I just want him out of the way," Blair said Thursday. "I want him to catch the ball and try not to hit into a double play. I'd rather have him go up and strike out. I'm okay with that. Just don't hit it."

Particularly against right-handed pitching, Guerrero Jr. has hit into double plays 16 times. Blair has a suggestion for the Blue Jays slugger regarding what he must do instead to help his team.

"Don't hit into a double play," Blair added. "Strike out if you want. Let the ball hit in the arm. That would be optimal. Just don't hit into a double play. And play good defense. And you know what? We'll figure out. Somebody else will come through with a clutch hit."

MORE: Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. predicted to win end-of-season MLB award he deserves

Radio host suggests Blue Jays can win without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 

Even if Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s offense doesn't come around, the Blue Jays can still make the postseason, per Jeff Blair. With Toronto sitting just one game behind the final AL wildcard spot, Blair made his thoughts clear on the first baseman's position in the lineup.

"I mean, right now, Vladdy's almost like a complementary piece to this team," Blair continued. "At least at the plate he is. Now, again, in the field, he's been good. Runs the bases well, too, for the most part. But, man, he's an impediment offensively. 

"They've won 73 games this year without him doing anything. So can they win nine more games without him doing anything? Yeah. Absolutely. It's not impossible that they can make the playoffs without Vladdy contributing. I mean, at this point, I would say they almost have to."

Guerrero Jr. has let this come on to himself after a frustrating second year into his 14-year, $500 million deal. After having a great 2025 followed by an even better postseason, the Blue Jays first baseman has managed only a few long balls this year. It has taken him 132 games to hit eight home runs this year, as opposed to 18 postseason games needed last year.

One way or another, Guerrero Jr. has got to unleash himself at the plate before things get out of hand.

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