Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Harkened to Adrian Beltre

After tearing up Double-A pitching early on, one executive recently compared Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a young Adrian Beltre. If the interpretation is accurate, the Jays could have a real superstar on their hands.

According to a recent column by the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo, Blue Jays super-prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been compared to a young Adrian Beltre by a baseball executive who spoke to Cafardo. Cafardo reported this in his “Sunday Baseball Notes” column, which offers insight into nearly every major league team.

The comparison will undoubtedly make Jays fans giddy. Beltre, who sits 23rd all-time in hits, has hit 463 home runs over 21 MLB seasons, winning five Gold Gloves and being named an All-Star four times. With a career slash line of .287/.340/.481 in over 10,000 major league at-bats, Beltre is surely a first ballot hall of famer.

While comparing Vladdy Jr. to a young Beltre is not outlandish, it is curious. Beltre spent a total of 64 games in Double-A during his career, those coming during the 1998 season. In 292 plate appearances, he slashed .321/.411/.581 with 13 dingers and 21 doubles. Guerrero has played in 27 games thus far, slashing .387/.440/.651 with five big flies and 11 doubles.

Perhaps the most likely basis for comparison is their body types. According to Baseball Reference, Guerrero currently weighs 200lb and stands at 6’1’’, while Beltre weighs 220lb and is 5’11’’. Even though Beltre’s physical numbers have definitely changed since his time in the upper minors, it’s not difficult to see the parallels.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

That, combined with the fact that they’re both third basemen, makes Adrian Beltre a nice ceiling for Vladdy Jr. Both are right handed batters, and are stocky in their builds.

Again, Cafardo’s column didn’t exactly expand on this caveat, but it’s still fun to speculate. With many calling for Guerrero to be promoted, it’s important to remember that he’s still young. Still, with an industry professional comparing him to one of the all-time greats, there’s reason to be excited about the youngster who spent his early days in Montreal.

Whatever the case may be, let’s all continue to enjoy watching Vlad rake in New Hampshire, because boy is that fun to do.

Next: Blue Jays acquire Giovanny Urshela from the Indians