Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opts out of Home Run Derby
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shared the MLB home run crown with Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals in 2021, drilling 48 bombs. In 2019, the then-rookie finished as the runner-up in the Home Run Derby, placing only behind two-time champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.
Fans hoping to see the Toronto Blue Jays slugger compete in the showcase next month in Los Angeles won’t be getting their wish.
Guerrero Jr. has played in 72 of Toronto’s 73 games this season, so if he’s elected to the All-Star team and sits out the festivities altogether, he could use the break to refuel. The first baseman has recorded 18 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .268/.360.506 slash line over 269 at-bats in 2022 thus far.
The son of Hall-of-Famer Vladimir Guerrero missed only one game last season and played in every one of the team’s 60 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign as well.
