2023 Blue Jays mid-season report cards with letter grades: Position players

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: C+

You know the ceiling is high, when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can be called a disappointment through the first half of the 2023 season. In this respect, he has been a bit too inconsistent to date for someone with his talent level.

In fairness to Guerrero Jr. though, he has stepped it up of late. He has a genuine chance to record the second-best single-season totals of his five-year Major League career in hits, RBI, batting average and OBP.

Regardless, more is (and it should be) expected of one of the best pure hitters in the game. Combined with the three-time All-Star's play at first base -- which will likely never be anything special -- this is reflected in his underwhelming grade, although we predict it will improve by season's end.

Matt Chapman: B

At one point it seemed as if Matt Chapman was on course for a career year offensively. He's cooled down a lot more of late, but keep in mind we are grading players based on the first half of the season as a whole.

In this respect, Chapman leads the Blue Jays with a 3.6 WAR and he's first in the AL in doubles (second overall in the Majors). For what it's worth considering his recent slump, he's also still projected for the second-best batting average and OBP of his career, although it will (clearly) help if he rediscovers even a little bit of his previous consistency moving forward.

The third baseman might be second on the team with seven errors, but this aside he is one of the Blue Jays' best defenders. This is highlighted by the three-time Gold Glove winner being second on the team in assists and third with a 1.3 DWAR.