Guerrero, one of the game’s premier hitters in recent years, has endured a disappointing stretch in 2026. Through 78 games, he’s produced just four home runs and a 0.718 OPS, posting a 97 OPS+, which indicates well below-average hitting by the league’s standards. This is a stark contrast to expectations following a strong postseason last year that had many forecasting a monster season for Guerrero.
Pujols, speaking on MLB Network, shared a mechanical observation that he believes could be part of the issue. He noted that Guerrero’s top-hand position appears to retreat too far before contact, effectively delaying his bat from staying engaged through the pitch. The suggestion is that Guerrero needs better separation between his hands and his front side to create a consistent, ready-to-swing stance.
Specifically, Pujols indicated that Guerrero’s bat wrap—where the bat moves back toward the helmet just as the leg kick initiates—is too tight. In Pujols’ view, this extra wrap can slow reaction time against fast pitches (often in the mid-90s or higher) and lead to longer swings. By creating a cleaner separation earlier, Guerrero could more quickly initiate his swing and focus on the pitch recognition needed to drive the ball.
The Blue Jays currently sit under .500, and Guerrero’s struggles have raised questions about how best to optimize the lineup. Guerrero remains the team’s top position player and highest-paid member, consistently occupying one of the top spots in the batting order. However, with the team seeking better run production, there is ongoing discussion about whether a shift in the lineup might help spark his bat and the club’s offense.
Critics and fans have also called for improvements in competitiveness on the basepaths, citing perceived effort as a concern on ground balls. While team leaders value a supportive, player-friendly environment, there is occasional tension between maintaining a trusted role for a veteran star and making bold, disruptive decisions to stimulate the lineup.
The broader takeaway is that Guerrero’s technique may benefit from a focus on stopping the bat wrap and ensuring a more immediate, ready-to-swing posture. If he can implement more separation between his hands and his body from the start of his stride, he may improve his reaction time and regain his power and impact at the plate.
As the season progresses, the Blue Jays will need to weigh several factors—lineup construction, positional readiness, and Guerrero’s mechanical adjustments—if they hope to reverse the slide and position themselves for a competitive stretch run.
