Vladdy’s latest impressive milestone further proves he’s ready to be locked up long term

When it comes to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he has done practically everything that he could to keep Toronto Blue Jays baseball exciting this season. Whether it be his offensive explosion at the plate, or dazzling defensive plays in the field, it has provided Jays’ fans still with much hope beyond this season.

On Saturday, Guerrero was at it again against the St. Louis Cardinals, putting himself into the Blue Jays record books in the process. When he singled off Cardinals’ reliever Riley O’Brien during the seventh inning to score Nathan Lukes, the run that he drove in was his 500th of his MLB career. In doing so, it made him the youngest player in franchise history to reach 500 RBI. By accomplishing it in just 806 career games, he also became the second-fastest Blue Jay ever to do so, trailing only Carlos Delgado, who accomplished it in just 714 games.

For the 2024 season, Guerrero appears to have reverted back to his MVP form, compiling a stellar .320 batting average, .939 OPS, together with 92 runs scored, 41 doubles, 28 home runs and 96 RBI in 146 games played.

Guerrero’s latest milestone continues to build upon his outstanding career that he has already established so far with the Blue Jays. In his six seasons to date, he has posted a strong .287 average, .862 OPS, along with 469 runs scored, 158 home runs and 500 RBI. In doing so, Guerrero has become a four-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, along with being a finalist for AL MVP honours in 2021.

Without question Guerrero has gradually become the face of the franchise with each passing day. He has answered all of his critics this season by putting away all doubters about his slight dip in production numbers since his MVP-like season in 2021. As a result, he has begun to prove his undeniable value to the Jays team.

Added to the fact that Guerrero constantly reiterated that he wants to remain a Blue Jay and loved being in Toronto, it is about time that Jays management should act to lock him in long term for the sake of the franchise’s future success. Especially with the uncertainty in the situation with star shortstop Bo Bichette and his future with the club, it is a no-brainer that Guerrero should be the organization’s main focus and heart and soul of the team going forward if they intend to win.