Blue Jays skipper gives vote of confidence to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo gave Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a vote of confidence in regards to his aspirations of returning to third base.

Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been very vocal this offseason about his plan to return to the hot corner in 2021. Guerrero moved across the diamond to first base last season to mixed reviews but even he doesn’t have intention on staying there.

The 21-year old is currently playing third base in Winter League ball in the Dominican Republic in preparation for the upcoming MLB season. Vladdy also appears to have shed some excess weight this offseason which should bode well for his chances. In saying that, Vladdy has made four errors in 10 games at third base in Winter Ball thus far.

Blue Jays skipper Charlie Montoyo recently went on record confirming that Guerrero Jr. will be afforded another opportunity win the job at third base in 2021. Montoyo quipped that “You don’t close a door to a talent like that.”

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Travis Shaw had the lions share of the work at third base last season, however, the team opted not to extend a qualifying offer to the third baseman for next season. Barring a free agent signing or trade, as it currently stands Vladdy may be the odds on favourite to win back the job.

In saying that, it seems highly unlikely that there won’t be a better defensive option in place at third base before the season kicks off. The team has reportedly been actively involved in the pursuit of nearly every available free agent this entire offseason. They have been linked to the likes of Andrelton Simmons, DJ LeMahieu, Ha-Seong Kim, Kolten Wong and Justin Turner.

Any of those free agent additions would immediately change the complexion of the infield alignment for 2021. Rowdy Tellez also proved he turned a corner offensively and could force his way into the conversation as an everyday player.