Amid uncertain times for Blue Jays, Guerrero still says ‘I’d love to be in Toronto’

ARLINGTON, Texas — The All-Star break is more a respite from the grind than an actual break for players participating in the Midsummer Classic. Regardless, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is savouring the breather from what’s been a trying first half for his Toronto Blue Jays, one that sent his team into the break looking to sell ahead of the trade deadline rather than bu

Definitely it’s a mental break,” Guerrero, speaking through interpreter Hector Lebron, said during the All-Star Game’s media day frenzy ahead of Monday night’s Home Run Derby. “It’s been a little difficult for us in the first half and I’m very proud of myself still to make the All-Star Game again. I’m going to take it like a break, regroup and try to make a charge in the second half.”

At 44-52, his Blue Jays are going to need one hell of a charge over the season’s final 2½ months to avoid a contention-less stretch drive, something Guerrero hasn’t experienced since his rookie season of 2019. In three of the four years since, he’s helped the club earn wild-card spots while also finishing one agonizing game short in 2021, with the best team built around this core.