LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Manager John Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on before game three of the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have weathered plenty of ups and downs this season, but one storyline has become increasingly difficult to ignore. As the club continues to search for consistent offense, its biggest star remains stuck in an extended slump that has drawn growing attention from both inside and outside of the organization.
While the Blue Jays have publicly maintained confidence in franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the concerns surrounding his struggles are growing as he continues to limp toward the All-Star break with meagre power numbers.
But the club appears to be leaning in with additional support for Guerrero behind the scenes, as manager John Schneider revealed that he recently held a late-night meeting with the slugger following another difficult stretch at the plate.
Toronto Blue Jays’ John Schneider Sends Vladimir Guerrero Message
Following a particularly poor performance against the Texas Rangers, Schneider emphasized that the organization remains committed to helping Guerrero work through his offensive struggles rather than making dramatic lineup decisions.
He quickly dismissed the possibility of benching Guerrero, but he did reveal that he and the franchise player spent a late night discussing his approach as concerns continue to grow.
“I talk to him almost every day about (his mindset),” Schneider said, according to the Toronto Star’s Rosie DiManno. “We were here late last night talking about it. You have to trust that he’s going to come through.”
The comments came after another frustrating series for Guerrero and the team, as they were swept by the Rangers and saw the gap in the division standings grow to more than 10 games.
“It’s wearing on all of them: bad luck, bad bounces, bad choices,” DiManno added. “Like that horrific swing by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a slider from Kumar Rocker leading off the fourth (0-for-4 Sunday afternoon, 0-for-9 in the final two games of the series as the slugger’s misery continues). Which raises the question of whether Schneider might take drastic steps.”
Instead, Schneider continues to publicly back his first baseman, making it clear the organization believes patience remains the best approach despite mounting outside concern. However, he did acknowledge that Guerrero is working on his craft late after games conclude.
Toronto Blue Jays Send ‘Good Liars’ Message As Vladimir Guerrero Jr Struggles
Schneider also recently acknowledged that he has been putting in some extra work with Guerrero in batting practice amid the recent sweep.
“Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that after Saturday’s loss, he watched Guerrero go through a session in the hitting cage and the two talked about the slugger’s struggles,” the Canadian Press reported. “‘He’s actually good (mentally),’ Schneider said. ‘You want some players to be good liars to a manager in terms of how they’re feeling. Vlad’s been an open book with me, so I’ve pressed him a few times in the last couple of weeks, and he’s good.’”
Those comments suggest the Blue Jays aren’t worried about Guerrero’s confidence, even if the production hasn’t matched expectations. But it seems that Schneider will be paying extra attention to the franchise slugger as he falls short of slugging expectations and the team wrestles with a playoff appearance increasingly in doubt.