Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says his $500M contract was for past performance – not future results

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has four games left before he can put his 2026 Toronto Blue Jays season behind him.

Guerrero, the six-time All-Star who signed the third highest-paid extension in MLB history in April 2025 at $500 million, has hit just nine home runs and slugged .359 to date for a career-low .695 OPS to date.

The Blue Jays, winners of the American League pennant this past season, where Guerrero was a major factor in reaching the World Series, were mathematically eliminated from this year’s postseason race as they hold a 77-81 record entering Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE For a player that is worth so much, especially financially, to an organization’s success, Guerrero’s down year has led to some vitriol from the Blue Jays’ fan base.

And that’s likely to continue after hearing recent comments from the star infielder.

Guerrero, 27, sat down with Telemicro News recently, where he discussed his struggles at the plate this season, and how it reflects on his contract extension.

His comments were, well, interesting.

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DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW! "The contract I got was based on what I did, not necessarily for what I’m going to do," Guerrero said, as translated by MLB reporter Héctor Gómez.

"I understand why the fans believe it’s the other way around.

Sometimes, I think that way, too, like, ‘Oh, they give me this money, and I’m not doing enough,’ but you know I try my best, and I’m working hard.

"The fans, I know how they are, when you are doing great they are 100% behind you.

But when you are not at your best, not everybody is behind you, almost nobody supports you.

Those are my real fans, the ones that are supporting me all the time." After catching heat from Blue Jays fans, Guerrero was approached about the viral quotes, which he responded to.