Blue Jays' Guerrero says he lost 42 pounds this offseason
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. feels more motivated this spring than in years past after completing an offseason conditioning program that left him feeling faster, stronger, and more athletic.
The Toronto Blue Jays infielder told reporters Wednesday he's more focused this year, feeling improved in all aspects of his game after losing 42 pounds over the winter, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.
Guerrero admitted through an interpreter that he was out of shape upon arriving at spring camp ahead of each of the past two seasons and was not going to let it happen again.
Vlad came across extremely honest, through translator Hector Lebron, talking about the past few camps where he arrived out of shape. Saying, he sat in his house in the DR and made the decision he had to change. Credited Bichette, Biggio, Gurrilel and Hernandez as motivators.
— Ben Wagner (@benwag247) February 24, 2021
The 21-year-old added he apologized to his teammates last summer for his previous conditioning issues, according to Zwelling.
Guerrero's defense has been another concern for Toronto since he debuted in 2019. The former top prospect made 17 errors as a third baseman during his rookie campaign before spending most of last season at first.
Guerrero said he'll take reps at first and third base during spring training after the Blue Jays asked him to prepare to play both positions in 2021.