Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Sends ‘Failure’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr Message As Concerns Mount

BusinessSportsMoneyBlue Jays’ Ernie Clement Sends ‘Failure’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr Message As Concerns MountByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 16, 2026, 06:00pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryToronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is experiencing a significant power drought, with just three home runs this season despite maintaining a strong on-base percentage. This alarming lack of slugging is raising concerns for the team's playoff hopes, as they depend on his cornerstone production. Teammate Ernie Clement acknowledged Guerrero's "tough stretch" and "failure," expressing confidence in his eventual turnaround while stressing the need for other players to elevate their game. Unconventionally, former Blue Jays MVP Josh Donaldson advised Guerrero to actively *try* to hit home runs, visualizing deep shots, contrary to typical slumping slugger advice. The Blue Jays are looking for a spark to reignite their offense.Show More TORONTO, ON - MAY 11: Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement (22) is seen in the Blue Jays dugout before an MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 11, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Toronto Blue Jays have remained in playoff contention thanks largely to a weak field in the American League, but it’s getting increasingly difficult to imagine the team making a deep run without a turnaround for their franchise slugger.As Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struggles to produce significant slug at the plate, concerns are growing about how the team’s offense can compete without its cornerstone run producer. “Guerrero is sitting on three homers two and a half mont...