The Toronto Blue Jays have reached the quarter mark of the 2026 season with a lackluster 18-23 record, and much of the concern centers on the underwhelming performance of star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After a dynamic October that saw him hit eight home runs, Guerrero has managed only two homers in 41 games, none at Rogers Centre. His recent at-bats have been fruitless, including an 0-for-4 effort on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, extending his extra-base hit drought to over two weeks.
A Team in a Funk
The Blue Jays have lost six of their last eight games, including four to the Rays, and sit 9.5 games behind the division leaders. Their record is five games below .500, a depth they never reached in 2025. Injuries have plagued the roster, with key players like Jose Berrios and Max Scherzer sidelined. Berrios is set to see a surgeon for a stress fracture in his elbow, while Scherzer needs a cortisone shot for his thumb. The team has only had three games with their preferred lineup of Alejandro Kirk, George Springer, and Addison Barger.
Upcoming Challenges
The next quarter of the season promises to be tough, with 20 games against AL East opponents, including seven against the New York Yankees and three more against the Rays. The schedule also features series against division leaders like the Cubs and Braves. After an off-day on Thursday, the Jays face 17 consecutive games, testing their depleted roster.
Gausman Reaches Milestone
Despite the team's struggles, pitcher Kevin Gausman reached a personal milestone on Monday, becoming the 91st pitcher in MLB history to record 2,000 career strikeouts. However, his outing was short-lived, lasting only 4.2 innings and allowing seven runs. The lone offensive bright spot was Andres Gimenez, who hit two home runs, driving in all five runs for the Jays.
The Blue Jays need Guerrero to rediscover his form and lead the team out of this slump. With 121 games remaining, there is still time to turn things around, but the margin for error is shrinking.
