The Toronto Blue Jays have shifted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to the top two spots in the batting order due to limited personnel options. This change, implemented to replace George Springer’s usual leadoff role, has shown promising results with both players adjusting well to their new positions early in the season.
Previously, both Guerrero and Bichette lined up behind Springer, who was the team’s designated leadoff hitter. However, Springer’s performance dropped significantly last year, hitting only .214 across 407 at-bats from the leadoff spot. This decline motivated Toronto to elevate Bichette and Guerrero to the front of the lineup.
Insights from Blue Jays Broadcaster Joe Siddal on Batting Order Roles
On the ‘Blair & Barker’ podcast, Joe Siddal, a sportscaster covering the Blue Jays, shared his views on the current lineup configuration. He expressed support for keeping Bichette and Guerrero as the first two batters until the team secures a reliable leadoff hitter.
“I’d love to see him hitting third if they had a very good leadoff hitter and Bo could hit second. But since George [Springer] moved away from that leadoff spot, this has been the issue all along right? And I was in full agreement that you put your two best up there with Bo #1 and Vladdy #2.” —Joe Siddal, Sportscaster
“The tough part about that we know, Bo would prefer to be #2 and Vladdy would prefer to be #3. They talked about that a lot, but they are doing it because they don’t have somebody up there. I still like it though with Bo and Vladdy #1-2.” —Joe Siddal, Sportscaster
Performance Metrics for Guerrero and Bichette in New Batting Positions
This season, Bo Bichette is batting .240 as the leadoff hitter, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. holds a .271 average in the second spot. These marks contrast with Guerrero’s .345 batting average last year when he primarily hit third in the lineup, suggesting a higher effectiveness in that position.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Perspective on His Preferred Spot in the Order
According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, Guerrero has explained his preference for hitting third, stating that it allows him more time to prepare mentally and strategically for his at-bats. He emphasized that the pitching he faces remains consistent regardless of his position, but having additional time to observe the pitcher benefits his approach.
“The only thing that changes is that I feel I have more time, I guess, to prepare myself. I don’t feel rushed anymore,” Guerrero said through interpreter Hector Lebron. “They’re still pitching me the same. Other than that, nothing changes. I get more time to analyze, to prepare myself, to see the pitcher more. But it’s just one more batter, that’s it. They keep pitching me the same way.” —Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Potential Lineup Changes Under Consideration by Manager John Schneider
Given the differing performance levels at the second and third spots, Blue Jays manager John Schneider may explore lineup adjustments soon. Addison Barger, who has been performing strongly, is a candidate to fill the leadoff role, which could allow Guerrero to move back to his ideal third spot and potentially optimize the batting order’s overall balance.