Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:24 am GMT
The Toronto Blue Jays celebrated a narrow 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night, a win that had special significance for their star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. In a season marked by struggles and injuries, Guerrero Jr. set a new career-high for hits, solidifying his status as one of the team’s key contributors.
Milestone Achieved
Guerrero Jr. reached a personal milestone by collecting his 189th hit of the season, eclipsing his previous career-high. His performance included a double, a walk, two runs scored, and an RBI, demonstrating his ability to deliver even amidst a challenging season for the Jays.
- Key Stats from Guerrero Jr.:
– Hits: 189 (new career-high)
– Batting Average: .320
– Home Runs: 28
– RBIs: 95
- OPS: .940
This achievement also marks Guerrero Jr.’s inclusion in a special category within Blue Jays history. His double was the 70th extra-base hit of the season, placing him on a list populated by some of the franchise’s most legendary figures.
All-Time Extra-Base Hit Leaders
Guerrero Jr. joined an elite group of players with multiple seasons featuring over 70 extra-base hits. The rankings show the impressive company he keeps:
- 6 – Carlos Delgado
- 4 – Joe Carter
- 3 – Vernon Wells
- 2 - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (with the current season)
- 2 – Jesse Barfield
- 2 – George Bell
- 2 – Shawn Green
- 2 – Alex Rios
- 2 – Jose Bautista
- 2 – Josh Donaldson
- 2 – Edwin Encarnacion
Guerrero’s place on this list highlights his consistency and impact on the game, especially when the team around him has struggled.
Challenges for the Blue Jays
As the Blue Jays’ playoff hopes dim after two consecutive seasons of postseason play, fans have mixed feelings regarding the future. Toronto currently holds a record of 70-78, which reflects the difficulties faced throughout the season.
Key factors contributing to the Jays’ struggles include:
- A string of player injuries
- Underperformance by key team members
- A roster reset shortly before the trade deadline
Despite these challenges, Guerrero Jr. has remained a reliable face for the franchise, raising questions about his future with the team as he approaches a contract year in 2025.
Future Considerations
As Guerrero Jr. continues to excel, discussions surrounding his future become more pressing for team management. He could potentially be extended, paving the way for him to become one of the greatest figures in Blue Jays history. Options include:
- Signing an extension, securing his place for the long term
- Trading him, allowing the team to rebuild
- Allowing the 2025 season to play out before making a decision
The choice regarding Guerrero’s future could be one of the most consequential moves the Blue Jays face in years.
Conclusion
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent achievements shine a light on a tumultuous season for the Toronto Blue Jays. While the team battles through challenges and uncertainty, Guerrero’s milestones provide a glimmer of hope. As fans contemplate the future of the franchise, all eyes will be on this talented player, whose next steps could define the Blue Jays’ trajectory for years to come. The unfolding season remains a test of resilience, character, and the potential of baseball’s enduring stars.
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