Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Silver Slugger Setback: A Closer Look at the Blue Jays Star’s Season

In the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball’s award season, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. faced disappointment when he missed out on the American League Silver Slugger award at first base. The prestigious honor instead went to Oakland Athletics’ rookie sensation Nick Kurtz, who had a breakout season that captivated baseball fans nationwide. Despite putting together impressive numbers with a .292 batting average, .848 OPS, 23 home runs, and 84 RBIs, Guerrero found himself edged out in what became a compelling three-way race alongside Kurtz and Kansas City Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino. The outcome highlights the remarkable level of talent at the first base position in today’s American League, where even excellent seasons can sometimes be overshadowed.

Kurtz’s victory was driven by a truly exceptional rookie campaign that grew increasingly dominant as the 2025 season progressed. The Athletics’ young star crushed 36 home runs in just 117 games, with more than half of those homers coming after the All-Star break, demonstrating remarkable power development. His impressive slash line of .290/.383/.619 and extraordinary 173 OPS+ made a compelling case for the award, as did his league-leading opposite-field power. Kurtz’s historic season reached its pinnacle in July when he became just the 20th player in MLB history—and the first rookie—to hit four home runs in a single game during a matchup against the Houston Astros. This achievement alone helped cement his place in baseball lore, becoming the first rookie first baseman to claim the Silver Slugger since Jose Abreu in 2014, and only the second American League rookie first baseman to ever win the award.

While the Silver Slugger eluded him this year, Guerrero’s career accomplishments already speak volumes about his hitting prowess. The Blue Jays’ cornerstone has previously claimed the award twice, in 2022 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive talents in today’s game. What truly set Guerrero apart in 2025, however, was his extraordinary postseason performance that nearly culminated in a World Series championship. Throughout 18 playoff games, he delivered a remarkable .397 batting average, launching eight home runs and driving in 15 runs. His brilliance was officially recognized with the ALCS MVP award, further solidifying his reputation as a player who elevates his game when the stakes are highest. Despite falling just one game short of winning the World Series—and potentially the World Series MVP—Guerrero demonstrated why he remains one of baseball’s most feared hitters.

The Silver Slugger setback represents just a minor bump in what continues to be an outstanding career trajectory for the 27-year-old Guerrero. Son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., the younger Guerrero has established his own legacy while carrying forward his family’s baseball excellence. What makes his 2025 campaign particularly noteworthy was his strong finish to the regular season, suggesting that his best baseball might still be ahead of him. Blue Jays fans have every reason to be excited about Guerrero’s prospects heading into 2026, as he appears poised to challenge for the accolades that narrowly escaped him this season. His combination of contact ability, power, and clutch performance makes him a perennial threat for batting titles, home run crowns, and of course, Silver Slugger awards in the coming years.

The American League first base position has evolved into perhaps baseball’s most competitive spot for offensive talent. With established stars like Guerrero competing alongside emerging talents like Kurtz and consistent performers like Pasquantino, the competition for recognition will likely remain fierce. For Guerrero specifically, the 2025 season represents both achievement and motivation—achievement in helping lead Toronto to within a whisper of a World Series title, and motivation from falling just short in both team and individual accolades. This combination often fuels the greatest players to reach even higher levels, suggesting that 2026 could be a career-defining campaign for the Blue Jays slugger.

As baseball moves toward the hot stove season and preparations for 2026 begin, Guerrero remains one of the sport’s brightest stars and most marketable talents. His charisma, family pedigree, and tremendous ability with the bat ensure he’ll remain in the spotlight regardless of individual awards. The Silver Slugger may have gone to Kurtz this time around—a testament to the rookie’s remarkable season—but Guerrero’s overall impact on the game extends far beyond a single award in a single season. Blue Jays fans can take comfort in knowing they have one of baseball’s premier offensive talents anchoring their lineup, a player who has demonstrated he can carry a team deep into October when everything is on the line. As the calendar turns toward a new season, Guerrero’s combination of established excellence and unfulfilled potential makes him one of baseball’s most fascinating figures to watch in 2026.