'Why I'm Here': Blue Jays' Encarnacion imparts wisdom to Guerrero Jr.

TORONTO — Edwin Encarnacion was standing alone along the first base line as batting practice took place on a recent afternoon at Rogers Center. The previous one Toronto blue jays It's amazing to watch Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s on-field balls. staying close to the bag and not taking his eyes off the young first baseman.

A few minutes later, Guerrero Jr. had finished his homework and was sitting on a blue bucket just left of the batting cage at home plate. Encarnacion walked up to his fellow Dominican and the two began chatting.

This isn't a one-way conversation, however, in the way you might expect from a 41-year-old retired star talking to a 25-year-old. Instead, Guerrero Jr. is a very active participant. Guerrero Jr. has known Encarnacion since he was a child, but with Encarnacion spending more time with the Blue Jays in his role as special assistant for baseball operations, the nature of their conversations has expanded.

For example, they will cover the topic of self-imposed pressure and how to overcome the urge to carry the entire team on your back.

“You will feel it, especially when you know yourselfhe,” Encarnacion said. “That's when you have to think about it, take the pressure off and control what you can control. Sometimes you [direct] your attention to things you can't control and that's why I'm here – to talk to him about it. Because it has happened to me before.”

MLB on Sportsnet

Watch the Toronto Blue Jays, Blue Jays Central pregames, big MLB games, Jays '30, original documentaries, Wildcards, division series, championship series and the entire World Series on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

Broadcast schedule

Encarnacion was an offensive mainstay for the Blue Jays from 2012-16 — a span of five seasons in which he hit 193 of his 424 career home runs. There were times during that period when Encarnacion was considered “The Guy” in the lineup and as a result, he had high expectations for his offensive performance.

The three-time All-Star has noticed a similar trend in Guerrero Jr., who has remained an enigma throughout his five-plus MLB seasons. His immense talent and potential is unquestionable and it has been proven by a monster 2021 campaign that has helped Guerrero Jr. finished second in AL MVP voting. However, he regressed over the next two seasons, and his early numbers in 2024 were on the low side — a fact emphasized by his .715 OPS.

However, Guerrero Jr. showed cunning. When the slugger clicks at the plate, he walks — he has struck out 14 this season compared to 15 strikeouts — and “stays on the ball” as well as “center field more,” according to Encarnacion. according to Encarnacion. That formula is exactly what happened in Tuesday's win over the New York Yankees when Guerrero Jr. made two walks and collected a pair of sharp singles up the middle, one of which came with the bases loaded and drove in two runs.

Regardless of the outcome, Encarnacion noted that he has witnessed growth and maturity from Guerrero Jr.

“His mind is stronger,” Encarnacion said. “In this game you have to be like that and that's what he's doing with his approach. He's not worried – he knows it's a long season. He's not too worried about whether his goal total is low at the start of the season. He knows he has five months to recover.”

“He will continue to work,” Encarnacion added. “He will continue to do his usual work in the cage. And that's what you need to do. Keep doing your routine, stay the same and stay focused and you will be right. That's why I said he has more experience. He never thought like that before.”

Encarnacion spoke with Guerrero Jr. about maintaining that level of persistence and the message being heard.

Guerrero Jr. “What he understands more is keep working, keep honing your bats,” he told reporters this week. “Do not give up. Keep fighting. Continue swinging. The hits will come. He has been excellent.”

Encarnacion has been around the Blue Jays during the club's recent home stretch and his role allows him to share opinions and advice, both of which manager John Schneider said he works for Blue Jays hitters.

The unique career path that Encarnacion has taken also deserves respect. He was traded to Toronto essentially as a salary cap from the Cincinnati Reds in 2009, was claimed off waivers by the Oakland A's before being non-tendered, then re-signed with the Blue Jays before upon eventual stardom and a career that ultimately spanned 16 MLB seasons.

“Eddie, you look at his career, where he ended up and how he got there. I think sharing those insights with the guys is really cool,” Schneider said. “And I think Vlad really respects him, every single one of them as a player. And there are a lot of similarities between the two of them.”

“[Encarnacion’s] Be quiet and know when to say something or not,” the manager continued. “The success he has achieved at this level makes it easy for people to absorb what he has to say. Really for anyone.”

Encarnacion preached to Guerrero Jr. about the need to constantly think. Yes, he may at times feel responsible for carrying the team, but it's important to remember that five runs will never be made by a single hit.

“You have to be smart,” Encarnacion said. “You can't do too much. You can't think like that. You have to do it step by step.”

“I tried to tell him what happened to me,” Encarnacion added. “He knows. And he listens. It makes him feel more comfortable and at ease.”

More from Sportsnet

The Blue Jays allowed four runs in the ninth inning as the Yankees spoiled Toronto's sweep

Why home runs will determine the Blue Jays' fate in 2024