Offensively, theres little doubt that Vlad Jr. has one of the most prodigious power strokes in the game, even at such a young age, and this move allows him to focus on what he does best. Vlad Jr. rubbed 27 crowning achievement over 514 plate looks while slashing.272/.339/.433 as a 20-year-old. The move across the diamond was a possibility, and in some methods, it makes good sense to make the move as soon as possible rather than invest advancement time at a position without a long-term future. Its certainly possible Guerrero Jr. ends up as a primary designated hitter, however hell try his hand in the beginning in 2020.
With Vlad Jr. shifting over to first, Travis Shaw expects to get the majority of the playing time at 3rd, per Nicholson-Smith. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hasnt played any third, however the infielder/outfielder might presumably pick it up, while 2nd baseman Cavan Biggio played a little bit at the hot corner in Triple-A. Breyvic Valera is likewise capable of managing 3rd.
Shaw, signed as a free representative, is coming off a bizarrely disappointing displaying in 2019 as he hit just.157/.281/.270 across 270 plate looks with the Brewers. That enabled heaven Jays to snag him on the inexpensive, as theyll hope he rebounds to something closer to his profession line of.243/.327/.451.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will make first base his primary position moving forward, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet (via Twitter).
We understood this moment would come. We simply didnt know it would occur this soon. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will make very first base his main position moving on, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet (through Twitter).
Its certainly possible Guerrero Jr. ends up as a primary designated player, but hell try his hand at first in 2020.
With Vlad Jr. moving over to initially, Travis Shaw expects to get many of the playing time at 3rd, per Nicholson-Smith.
After one complete season at third base, the 21-year-old power phenom will focus his attentions on ending up being a primary first baseman and designated hitter. Statcasts Outs Above Average pegged Vlad last in the league (tied with the Twins Jorge Polanco) with -16 OAA.
