While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn't had the season expected from an offensive standpoint following his $500 million contract extension, he's compiled a strong defensive campaign.

It has continued to be a strength for the Toronto Blue Jays infield, keeping him in the conversation for his second Rawlings Gold Glove Award. 

He may only have nine more home games to hit a home run at the Rogers Center, and while his power has significantly regressed, his defense has consistently been polished. His overall defensive glove work and range at first base have been a bright spot following his tough offensive season. 

While there's only three weeks remaining of the 2026 regular season, there’s still time for Guerrero to salvage part of his season with a combination of improved offense (.296 batting average in his last seven games) and ceaseless polished defense at first base. In the Blue Jays' 9-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday, he flashed the leather with a 3-unassisted double play. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has continued to provide reliable defense at first base  

He remains a strong candidate as a finalist with eight errors committed across 109 games at first base. In addition to 74 assists, with 71 double plays turned, 800 putouts, a .991 fielding percentage, a  4+ Outs Above Average (OAA) that ranks second among AL first basemen behind Paul Goldschmidt and in the 96th percentile.

Guerrero previously won the AL Gold Glove at first base in 2022, recording 47 assists, 10 errors, a fielding percentage of .990 with 80 double plays turned. 

This season, his strong metrics have him ranked fourth among all MLB first baseman in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with nine runs saved this season. The 27-year-old has made athletic plays and has shown his ability to make difficult scoops and anchor the infield for the Blue Jays.