Blue Jays: The main questions ahead of the 2019 season

When will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. make his debut?

This is a never ending topic that will likely continue until the announcement of his impending promotion. Even though the case of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been more than covered, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins made some comments on MLB Network Radio about “Vlad Jr.” that added some mistery to the case.

"“I just don’t see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a major league player”- Ross Atkins"

Many disagree with Atkins, specially after seeing his minor league offensive statistics, and imply Atkins is just saying that to avoid Guerrero’s call up to the big leagues, earning an extra year of contract control. Atkins does have a case though, Guerrero isn’t the finest defender and he’s still 19 years old, so why rush it? Sure, the team needs a player like him, any team does, but considering the situation of the big league club, having all the pressure laying on a 19 year old’s shoulders might not be the best scenario.

Even though it seems like pressure doesn’t affect “Vladdy”, Atkins might be waiting for not only his defense to be polished, but for another of the organization’s top prospects to be ready for the big leagues, and therefore have the pressure spread on several of them and not just on the 19-year-old phenom. This is just a thought, however, and there’s no doubt the kid is ready to hit at the highest level.

No one really knows when exactly Guerrero Jr. will make his major league debut, not even Ross Atkins perhaps, but what’s certain is that, unless the teenager gets off to a terrible start in the minors this season, Blue Jays fans will see him in a big league uniform early this year. After hearing the GM’s words last week, it might not be at the end of April like expected, but that will probably depend on two factors.

First of all, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s performance the first month of the season. The other factor, and probably the key one, will be the team’s situation around May. If the team is on a roll, something unexpected, then the call up might be inevitable for Ross Atkins to inject even more energy in the team and continue that hypothetical good start to the season. If the team is already, say 10 games under .500, then there might be not point in rushing the call up and letting him polish his game in the minors might be what Atkins would prefer and the best possible option.