“Huge contract is a reward for past achievements?” The 680-billion-won slug’s outrageous remarks end in apology → Father issued a stern rebuke

*This content was translated by AI.

After just one year of a record-breaking 14-year, $500 million (approximately 680 billion won) mega-contract, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27), the star batter for the Toronto Blue Jays, finally knelt before the fury of angry fans and the stern rebuke from his father, a Hall of Famer, following a controversy sparked by his outrageous remarks. Guerrero has officially apologized for his reckless comments.

According to The Athletic, a U.S. sports specialty outlet, the incident began with an interview recently released by a local Dominican broadcaster. Shortly after his team confirmed its elimination from the autumn playoffs due to falling behind the Baltimore Orioles, Guerrero Jr. responded to questions about a massive contract by stating that players are paid for their past achievements rather than future efforts.

Fans' reaction to the remark was not merely cold but boiled over with anger, as it appeared sufficiently irresponsible, as if saying, "Since we've already stamped a 0.5 billion won mega-contract, what happens next is none of my business." Although the controversy grew uncontrollably, Guerrero Jr. stood his ground confidently until just the 24th, stating, "I do not regret my remarks." However, the mood shifted 180 degrees within two days.

Guerrero Jr. immediately gathered the press upon reporting for work on the 26th. Accompanied by a team interpreter, he stood before the cameras and bowed his head. He stated, "I have thought about it again carefully. The words I said a few days ago did not truly convey my intended meaning," adding, "I felt that I must sincerely apologize to all, including our fans." This marked a complete turnaround from the confidence displayed just two days prior.

The backdrop to this sudden apology was a sharp rebuke from his father, a "legend." Vladimir Guerrero Sr., the 51st-year-old legendary pinch hitter and Hall of Famer who is also the father, personally called his son to scold him. Guerrero Jr. revealed that his father told him he must apologize to fans immediately, openly acknowledging that his father's stern reprimand was the decisive factor in prompting this apology.

The fundamental reason for fans' profound sense of betrayal lies in his dismal performance this season. Having emerged as a hero for Toronto by hitting eight home runs during the postseason alone in the 2025 season, he suffered a shocking slump this year — the first season of his 14-year, 0.5 billion won contract signed midway through the 2025 campaign — with a batting average decline and an OPS of just 0.695, including only nine home runs. The sight of him hitting at least 20 home runs in five consecutive seasons has vanished. Amidst being booed by home fans, his remark about "compensation for the past" was like pouring oil on a fire.

With Bobby Veach (New York Mets) leaving as a free agent, Guerrero Jr., who had to fully assume the role of clubhouse leader, was told by Toronto manager John Schneider that he "must solve his own problems in front of teammates and fans he sees every day," highlighting the need for evolution in dealing with angry fan sentiment.

With the possibility of a lockout looming over Major League Baseball labor negotiations, Gerardo Jr., facing an extended off-season, now finds himself in a heavy position where he must soothe fans with his performance rather than words. First and foremost, he has issued an apology, stating, "I want to prove that my contract is truly an excellent one."

A bowed apology uttered after his father's stern disapproval. The only path for him to truly earn absolution lies in proving on the field during the upcoming season that he is worth 680 billion won.

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*This content was translated by AI.