Prospect Pad Retrospective: Blue Jays 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr

Image credit: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the 2017 BA Prospect Pad

As we get closer to the 2019 Baseball America Prospect Pad presented by Louisville Slugger, we look back at our interview with some of today’s rising stars. One of those stars being Blue Jays 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr, who joined the 2017 Baseball America Prospect Pad.

At time of the interview in 2017 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was quickly rising as one of the top prospects. He was in the middle of his second minor league season where he hit .316/.409/.480 for Single-A Lansing at that point, and was promoted to High-A Dunedin shortly after. 

Vlad Jr. has had eyes on him from a very young age. During his Prospect Pad interview, Vlad Jr. said he started to noticed scouts looking at him at age eight. It was at that point he knew he was possibly going to make it. In 2015, just eight years later, Vlad Jr. would be the top ranked international free agent and begin is rise to the major leagues. 

Also in his Prospect Pad interview, Guerrero talked about what he does to stay in shape and prepare for the season. Through his translator, Guerrero said he takes two to three day off after a season and then he will hit every morning at 6 am. He said he tries to play as much as possible, sometimes  two, three, or even four games a day. He said he loves the game and just wants to better himself. 

The work ethic and talent have showcased themselves on the field, as Vlad Jr. dominated the minor leagues and now is getting his shot at the big leagues.