Vlad Jr. Not in the Same League as Soto & Ohtani, Says Stearns.
David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, has cast doubt on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ability to reach the same elite status as Juan Soto or Shohei Ohtani. While Guerrero Jr. has been a productive hitter and a key piece for the Toronto Blue Jays, Stearns’ recent comments suggest he doesn’t see the young slugger on the same generational level as baseball’s biggest superstars.
Stearns’ View on Guerrero Jr.
In a league where Soto and Ohtani have established themselves as premier talents, capable of altering the course of a franchise, Guerrero Jr. has yet to fully break into that echelon. While speaking about the current state of top-tier players, Stearns reportedly downplayed Guerrero Jr.’s impact, hinting that he doesn’t belong in the same conversation as Soto or Ohtani.
“There are great players in this league, and then there are generational talents,” Stearns stated. “Some guys separate themselves with consistency and game-changing ability. Not everyone falls into that category.”
Though he didn’t mention Guerrero Jr. by name, the implication was clear—Soto and Ohtani are on a different level.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Guerrero Jr., 24, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during his MVP-caliber 2021 season, when he hit 48 home runs with a .311 batting average and a 1.002 OPS. However, he has yet to replicate that dominance, posting solid but not elite numbers in the seasons since.
Meanwhile, Soto and Ohtani have continued to elevate their games. Soto, one of the most disciplined hitters in the game, boasts a career OBP of .421 and has already won a World Series. Ohtani, the reigning AL MVP, has redefined baseball with his two-way dominance as both an elite hitter and a frontline pitcher.
What This Means for Guerrero Jr.
While Guerrero Jr. remains a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, Stearns’ comments highlight a lingering perception—that he has not yet solidified himself as a truly generational player. Consistency, sustained excellence, and postseason success are what separate the elite from the great.
Guerrero Jr. still has time to prove the doubters wrong, but as of now, figures like Stearns appear unconvinced that he belongs in the same breath as Soto and Ohtani. The upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining whether he can reach that next level or remain just short of superstardom.
