Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is struggling to find his form with the Blue Jays, and his former teammate Bo Bichette has sent a message of support. On July 1, Bichette returned to Toronto as a member of the New York Mets, bringing back memories of the Blue Jays' successful stretches.
What happened?
Bichette's emotional return to Toronto served as a reminder of the bond he built with Guerrero during their years together. Bichette acknowledged that both players have experienced unexpected challenges throughout their careers.
Guerrero has yet to hit a home run at Rogers Centre this season, a span of 42 games and 181 plate appearances. His home slugging percentage is .300, down from .436 a year ago.
Why it matters for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?
The Blue Jays' struggles have mirrored Guerrero's disappointing production so far in his first season without Bichette. Guerrero signed a long-term extension, and the team expected him to anchor the lineup.
Bichette's perspective on his former running mate may offer some encouragement for Blue Jays fans. Bichette knows better than anyone what Guerrero is capable of, having shared both the highs and lows of their careers together.
What comes next?
The Blue Jays will look to turn their season around, and Guerrero will aim to find his form. With the season more than halfway over, the team needs Guerrero to step up and lead the lineup.
Guerrero's struggles have fueled growing concern around the Blue Jays club. Bichette, meanwhile, has struggled as well, and his return to Toronto called attention to the fact that both the Mets and the Blue Jays are falling short in the standings.
Toronto Blue Jays Search For Answers
The Blue Jays will need to find a way to turn their season around, and Guerrero's performance will be key to their success. Bichette's message of support may be just what Guerrero needs to get back on track.
The Blue Jays entered the season expecting Guerrero to anchor the lineup, but so far, he has not lived up to expectations. Guerrero has hit just seven home runs overall, with an adjusted OPS of 94.
Bichette's return to Toronto was met with a standing ovation from Blue Jays fans, who recognized one of the franchise's defining players of the past decade. Bichette's message to Guerrero reflected not only the challenges they've faced but also his confidence that Guerrero can turn his season around.
Guerrero and Bichette both playing for below-.500 teams, both carrying an OPS below .700, is not what fans expected from the two stars. But Bichette's message may be just what Guerrero needs to get back on track and lead the Blue Jays to success.
The calendar flipping to July has brought a sense of urgency to the Blue Jays' season. Guerrero will need to find his form quickly if the team is to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
Bichette's emotional return to Toronto has brought back memories of the Blue Jays' successful stretches. But for now, the focus is on the present, and Guerrero's struggles are a major concern for the team.
Guerrero's home slugging percentage is down significantly from last year, and he has yet to hit a home run at Rogers Centre this season. The Blue Jays will need to find a way to get Guerrero back on track if they are to succeed this season.