Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Is All Talk But No Results In The Postseason

For the third consecutive year, the Toronto Blue Jays were swept in an early-round postseason game. It should be noted that Toronto hasn’t won a postseason season game since 2016! Once again failing to be much of a factor at all was one Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While Vladdy puts up numbers during the regular season, however, when the playoffs begin, his bat completely disappears. I believe Vlad Jr. is a playoff choke.

Another Year Of Declining Statistics

The 2023 season saw Vladimir Guerrero Jr. once again have a decline statistically in most major categories. Guerrero Jr. had a slash line of .264/.345/.444 with an OPS of .788. He also only hit 26 home runs with 94 RBI. While his numbers weren’t bad, this is far from the high expectations fans have of him. However, he also experienced a drop off statistically in other major categories as well. This is the third consecutive season that Vladdy has seen a drop off in many statistical categories. Although he did make his third consecutive all-star team (probably getting in by Canadians voting for just their people).

A Non-Factor In His Postseason Career

The past three postseasons the Blue Jays have appeared in, they’ve been swept. In all those series, Guerrero Jr. has been mostly a non-factor. In six career postseason games, Vlad Jr. has put up a pathetic slash line of .136/.240/.182 with an OPS of .422. He also has no homers and one extra-base hit in his entire postseason career. Guerrero Jr.’s most recent performance in the playoffs might have been his most embarrassing.

Vladdy Had An Embarrassing 2023 Postseason

In game two of the AL Wild Card round between the Blue Jays and Twins, Vladdy went 0-3 with a walk. However, that wasn’t the most embarrassing thing to happen to him. In the fifth inning, trailing 2-0, Vladdy was on second base representing the tying run with two outs, and Bo Bichette was the batter (hitting .500 against Minnesota in the series), Guerrero Jr. made a costly mental error by leading too far off his base. Vladdy would be picked off killing the Blue Jays scoring chance. The Blue Jays would fall 2-0 to the Twins giving Minnesota its first playoff series win in over 20 years. While Toronto has had many postseason lowlights, Vlad Jr.’s lead-off mistake just might top the list.

All Talk No Results

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. always acts very boisterously on the field. However, when it comes to performing in the postseason, he’s never able to back up his loudmouth. Maybe he should focus on performing during the postseason rather than trying to get extra attention. As it stands right now, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can never come through when it truly matters. It’s part of the reason why Toronto hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. After all the real money is earned during the postseason.

He Can Never Perform When It Matters

Vlad talks a big game all regular season long. However, he can never put his words into action during the postseason. While Toronto’s recent lack of success isn’t all his fault, his struggles don’t make him immune from receiving blame. Guerrero Jr. may be an all-star player, however, during the postseason, he doesn’t strike fear into any opposing pitcher. His past six postseason games have proven that he’s an easy out in October.

For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter.