Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: A Look Back At The 2020 Season

Hey baseball fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dissect Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 2020 season. It was a year of high expectations, adjustments, and glimpses of the superstar we all know he can be. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and let's dive in!

Expectations Heading into 2020

Going into the 2020 season, the hype surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was palpable. After his highly anticipated debut in 2019, fans and analysts alike were eager to see him take the next step toward superstardom. Drafted as one of the top prospects in baseball, Vlad Jr. possessed the pedigree and raw talent to become a generational player. His prodigious power, combined with his advanced hitting approach, drew comparisons to his Hall of Fame father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

The Blue Jays, in the midst of a rebuild, were counting on Guerrero Jr. to be a cornerstone of their franchise. Alongside other young talents like Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio, Vlad Jr. was expected to lead the team's offensive charge and help propel them back into contention. The shortened 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, added another layer of intrigue, as every game carried increased importance. Would Vlad Jr. rise to the occasion and deliver on his immense potential? That was the question on everyone's mind. The pressure was definitely on, guys! He had the weight of a fanbase and a franchise on his young shoulders, and the baseball world was watching to see if he could transform from a promising prospect into a bonafide star. The Blue Jays had invested heavily in his development, and the hope was that 2020 would be the year he truly blossomed.

Many believed that a full offseason of training and adjustments would allow Guerrero Jr. to refine his skills and address some of the weaknesses that were exposed during his rookie campaign. Specifically, there was a focus on improving his conditioning, refining his swing mechanics, and enhancing his defensive abilities. The Blue Jays coaching staff worked closely with Vlad Jr. to develop a personalized training program that targeted these areas. There was a sense of optimism surrounding his progress, and the expectation was that he would come into the 2020 season a more polished and well-rounded player.

A Deep Dive into the 2020 Stats

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. In 2020, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played in all 60 games of the shortened season, a testament to his durability and commitment. He slashed .262/.329/.462 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs. While these numbers weren't terrible, they also didn't quite live up to the astronomical expectations that had been set for him. His batting average was respectable, but his on-base percentage and slugging percentage left something to be desired. For a player with his raw power, the home run total was lower than anticipated. However, a deeper dive into the stats reveals some encouraging signs.

One positive takeaway was his improved plate discipline. He increased his walk rate and reduced his strikeout rate compared to his rookie season. This indicated a more mature approach at the plate and a better understanding of how to work counts. He also showed flashes of brilliance, hitting some towering home runs and making several impressive defensive plays at first base. His hard-hit rate was also quite high, suggesting that he was consistently making good contact with the ball, even if the results weren't always optimal. It's also worth noting that he made the transition to playing primarily first base during the 2020 season, a move that was intended to improve the team's overall defense. While he had some growing pains at the position, he showed a willingness to learn and improve.

Furthermore, the shortened season presented unique challenges for all players. The lack of a normal spring training and the constant adjustments to the schedule due to COVID-19 protocols made it difficult to establish consistency. It's possible that these factors contributed to Vlad Jr.'s slightly underwhelming performance. However, even with the challenges, he showed glimpses of the player he could become. There were games where he looked absolutely unstoppable, hitting missiles all over the field and making highlight-reel plays. The key for him was to find a way to replicate those performances on a more consistent basis.

Highs and Lows of the Season

The 2020 season was a rollercoaster ride for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., filled with both exhilarating highs and frustrating lows. One of the highlights was undoubtedly his performance against the New York Yankees on September 15th, where he went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs. This game showcased his immense potential and reminded everyone of the damage he was capable of inflicting. Another high point was his improved defense at first base, as he made several impressive scoops and throws to help his team secure crucial outs. He clearly worked hard to improve his glove work, and it showed in his increased confidence and comfort at the position.

However, there were also moments of struggle. He went through periods where he struggled to make consistent contact, and his power numbers dipped at times. There were also instances where he made costly errors in the field, leading to runs for the opposing team. These lows served as learning experiences, highlighting areas where he needed to continue to improve. He also faced criticism from some fans and media members who felt he wasn't living up to his potential. Dealing with that pressure and scrutiny was a challenge in itself, but he seemed to handle it with maturity and grace.

One particular low point was a stretch in late August where he went through a significant slump, struggling to get on base and failing to drive in runs. This slump coincided with a difficult period for the Blue Jays as a team, and the pressure mounted on Vlad Jr. to turn things around. However, he was able to bounce back from that slump and finish the season on a strong note, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Areas for Improvement

Looking back at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 2020 season, it's clear that there were areas where he needed to improve in order to reach his full potential. One key area was his plate discipline. While he did show improvement in his walk rate and strikeout rate, he still had a tendency to chase pitches outside of the strike zone. Refining his pitch selection and becoming more patient at the plate would allow him to get into more favorable counts and increase his chances of driving in runs.

Another area for improvement was his consistency. He showed flashes of brilliance, but he needed to find a way to replicate those performances on a more regular basis. This required a combination of physical and mental adjustments. He needed to continue to refine his swing mechanics, improve his conditioning, and develop a more consistent approach at the plate. He also needed to learn how to deal with the pressure and expectations that came with being a highly touted prospect. Furthermore, while his defense at first base improved throughout the season, there was still room for growth. He needed to continue to work on his footwork, his glove work, and his overall awareness at the position. Becoming a Gold Glove-caliber defender would not only help the team defensively but also add another dimension to his overall value.

The Impact of the Shortened Season

The shortened 2020 season, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, undoubtedly had a significant impact on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and all players across Major League Baseball. The lack of a normal spring training and the constant adjustments to the schedule made it difficult to establish consistency and rhythm. Players had to adapt to playing in empty stadiums, adhering to strict health protocols, and dealing with the uncertainty of potential game cancellations. For a young player like Vlad Jr., these challenges were particularly difficult to navigate.

The shortened season also meant fewer opportunities to make adjustments and refine his game. In a normal 162-game season, players have more time to work through slumps and experiment with different approaches. In a 60-game season, every game carries increased importance, and there's less margin for error. This added pressure could have affected Vlad Jr.'s performance, as he may have felt the need to force things and try to do too much.

Despite these challenges, the shortened season also presented some opportunities for Vlad Jr. It allowed him to gain valuable experience in a high-pressure environment and learn how to deal with adversity. He also had the chance to work closely with the Blue Jays coaching staff and develop a personalized training program that addressed his specific needs. Ultimately, the shortened season was a unique and challenging experience that helped Vlad Jr. grow as a player and as a person.

Final Thoughts on Vlad Jr.'s 2020 Season

So, there you have it, guys! Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 2020 season was a mixed bag. While he didn't quite reach the lofty expectations that many had set for him, he showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated significant improvement in certain areas. He faced numerous challenges, including the pressure of being a highly touted prospect and the unique circumstances of the shortened season. However, he persevered through those challenges and emerged as a more mature and well-rounded player.

His improved plate discipline, his increased comfort at first base, and his willingness to learn and adapt were all encouraging signs. While his power numbers may not have been what everyone expected, he consistently made good contact with the ball and showed the potential to be a dominant force in the years to come. The 2020 season served as a valuable learning experience for Vlad Jr., providing him with a foundation to build upon as he continues to develop his skills. With his immense talent, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering determination, there's no doubt that he has the potential to become one of the game's biggest stars. Keep an eye on this kid, folks! The future is bright for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.