Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is very likely to finish in the top seven in American League MVP voting this year. He also has a chance to win the Silver Slugger Award at first base.

However, he got an early start with the hardware, winning a prestigious Sporting News award this week.

According to the Blue Jays on social media:

Vladdy is the @SportingNews AL Comeback Player of the Year!

It was an incredible season for Guerrero Jr., 25, who hit .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. What made it even more impressive was that Guerrero Jr. put on this production without his usual support. The Blue Jays finished last in the American League East as Bo Bichette hit just .225 in just 82 games. George Springer also failed to get going all year and Daulton Varsho hit less than .200.

Guerrero Jr. didn’t have a bad year in 2023, hitting 26 homers and driving in 94 runs, but his batting average (.323 to .264) and on-base percentage (.396 to .345) were much better this year. season. compared to the last one.

THE Blue Jays and Guerrero Jr. enter a critical offseason. Heading into the final year of his contract, questions are being asked about whether or not the Jays should extend or trade the slugger. If they extend it, how much money is left for improvements elsewhere? If they trade him, is this a franchise reboot that will send the team into a rebuild?

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