Guerrero Jr.’s flexibility provides the Blue Jays with multiple options during the offseason.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. switched from third to first base before the 2020 season, mentally he has never fully let go of playing third.
“That’s my position,” the four-time all-star first baseman says confidently.
It’s no surprise, then, that when the idea of returning to third base in 2025 is mentioned, Guerrero quickly responds, “I would love to.”
Over 12 games and 100 innings at third this season, including his 11th start in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, Guerrero has readjusted well to the position, despite playing only four innings there—two in 2021 and two in 2022—since his rookie season in 2019.
His willingness to switch back to third base creates numerous options for the Blue Jays this offseason, especially as they prioritize finding a reliable clean-up hitter—a role left vacant since Teoscar Hernandez was traded to Seattle after the 2022 season.
“Obviously, we haven’t made a decision yet,” Guerrero said through interpreter Hector Lebron, after recording three hits to set a new career-high of 191 this season. “If the choice is for me to move to third base to help the team, I’m all for it. I’ll work hard at third base. …
“But in the end, whatever the team needs, I’ll give 100 percent.”
There will be plenty of offensive talent available among free-agent first basemen this winter, including Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, switch-hitter Josh Bell, and possibly Rhys Hoskins, whom the Blue Jays had brief talks with last offseason.
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