Blue Jays: Rookie campaign was eye opener for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Now that the 2019 baseball season has finally wrapped up, it is probably safe to assume that the rookie campaign was somewhat of an eye-opener for Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may have arguably been the most anticipated rookie of the last decade when he made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on April 26th. Prior to his debut, baseball came easy for the 20-year old as he decimated every level presented to him in the minors.

Even though Vladdy still had a respectable rookie campaign, he did not dominate to the degree we all anticipated. The rookie learned rather quickly that major league pitchers make adjustments quickly and attempt to exploit your weaknesses on the daily.

Vladdy showed up to spring training overweight his overall fitness level cost him down the stretch when Guerrero’s power numbers fizzled in September. Although he hit 15 round-trippers, Guerrero did not hit another homer after August 22nd.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

Regardless of what Vladdy took away from his first taste of the majors, Vladdy appears committed to righting the ship as the third baseman already appears much slimmer in a recent Instagram photo. The photo is encouraging but so is the fact that Vladdy has recognized the need for him to improve his stamina and fitness level to grind it out for 162 games in 2020.

A slim and trim Guerrero should also bode well defensively as he attempts to sick at the hot corner long term. His position on the field has been a topic of discussion since Vladdy was in the minors and although he has work to do defensively, he did not look out of place.

Vladdy isn’t going to be satisfied as an above-average MLB’er, he has the pedigree and talent to do so much more. Glad to see he has the work ethic to achieve those goals after an eye-opening rookie season.