Former Toronto Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson gives his two cents on Vladdy

Josh Donaldson has a pretty blunt assessment of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. following what has been a rough 2026 season for the Toronto Blue Jays star.

While appearing on the Get It Done League podcast, Donaldson and the rest of the crew discussed Guerrero's production this season and whether he has lived up to the massive expectations surrounding him.

For Donaldson, the answer is pretty straightforward.

"I don’t think he’s a $500 million player," Donaldson said.

Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500 million contract with the Blue Jays before the 2025 season, making him one of the highest-paid players in MLB history.

The 2026 campaign, however, hasn't gone according to plan for the 27-year-old. Through 143 games, he's hitting just .263 with nine home runs and 56 RBI.

Donaldson believes Guerrero's lack of power is a particularly notable issue.

"[The last three seasons] he's had 26 home runs, 30 home runs, 23 home runs," Donaldson said. "That's not a power hitter. That's a line-drive hitter that hits a couple home runs every year."

Donaldson acknowledged that Guerrero has put together some excellent seasons throughout his career, but he questioned whether the first baseman has consistently produced at the level you'd expect from a player with his contract.

"You have to put in the body of work, and that's what you get the $500 million for," Donaldson said.

Martin pushed back at Donaldson, referencing just how good Guerrero was during last year's run to the World Series. The former Blue Jays third baseman acknowledged that, but made it clear that he's being paid to perform at an elite level throughout the course of each regular season.

"If you don't get to the playoffs, then it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. Those numbers don't matter if you don't get to the playoffs."

 

 

 

 

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Guerrero's 2026 struggles have been particularly noticeable after he entered the season with expectations of once again being Toronto's biggest offensive weapon.

Instead, the Blue Jays have watched their star first baseman take a drastic and concerning step backward.

There is obviously plenty of time remaining on Guerrero's massive contract, but Donaldson's comments provide an interesting perspective on what has been a frustrating season for the Blue Jays and their franchise player.