Vlad Jr. shows glimpse of potential with 2 HR night
By Zach Houle
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the most hyped MLB prospected in years. After a slow start, two homers against the Giants showed his potential.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showed off his power Tuesday night, mashing two home runs against the San Francisco Giants. The third baseman has struggled since being called up, but he has flashed his immense potential. Toronto is in a state of retooling, as they have not embraced a full rebuild. If Vlad Jr. turns into what everyone thinks he will be, the Blue Jays should build around him.
So far into his major league career, the 20-year-old is hitting .235 with two home runs and five RBIs. He has a 20.7 percent strikeout percentage and has walked 12.1 percent of the time. The infielder has put up some good at-bats, but the pitchers are getting to his weaknesses most of the time. Like all players, he will have to adapt and grind at-bats.
Here’s what Baseball America’s Ben Badler said about Vlad Jr.’s skill at the plate:
"Everything Guerrero does in batting practice translates into the game. He can knock the ball out to any part of the park and stays with that all-fields approach in games. Guerrero swings aggressively but the stroke itself is compact and efficient. His barrel enters the hitting zone in good position and he stays through the ball extremely well for a young hitter, which helps him drive all types of pitches throughout the strike zone to any part of the field."
This is a guy who’s only 20 years old. His skills at the plate are off the charts and at such a young age, there’s still more he could learn. The 70 hit tool at that age is the sign of a generational hitter. Toronto is in for an exciting decade or more with Vlad Jr., and they should develop players around him. Top prospect Bo Bichette had a setback, but he should not be long until he is in the majors.
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Vlad Jr. is a intriguing young talent that has flashed his potential in the major leagues. At a young age, he has plenty of room to grow. The third baseman would like to continue his momentum into the next game and thereafter. Toronto does not look to be in the playoffs this year, as they’re gearing up for another retooling year. With the development of younger players and trades of players on the major league roster, the Blue Jays should be competitive in two years.