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Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should bat second in 2026 lineup
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Jan 8, 2026, 14:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 8, 2026, 11:49 EST
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The Toronto Blue Jays should deploy Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to bat second in their lineup when the 2026 season starts — even if he would prefer to hit third. 
Much has been made over the years of Guerrero’s stats when hitting different places in the lineup. He posted a .788 OPS in the two-hole compared to a .903 OPS when batting third last season. He also hit third for the majority of 2021 and 2024, his two best regular seasons as a major leaguer. 
While it may be tempting to keep hitting Guerrero third in the lineup at risk of messing with what’s working, the Blue Jays need to maximize the number of at-bats he’s getting. It’s no accident that Aaron Judge bats second for the New York Yankees. 
The Blue Jays used Nathan Lukes in the two-hole for much of 2025, and that strategy worked well until the World Series, where his OPS sank to .457 against the Dodgers’ elite pitching staff. Would that exceptionally tight series have unfolded differently had Guerrero been up instead in a few of those crucial spots? 
George Springer will presumably bat leadoff again for the Blue Jays in 2026, especially if Bo Bichette doesn’t return this winter. He was an on-base machine last season, and having Guerrero right behind him will maximize the team’s chances of driving him in whenever he gets on base. 
The need to bat Guerrero second will only be further reinforced if the Blue Jays sign Bichette or Kyle Tucker. Having either of them hitting behind Guerrero would provide excellent protection and give the Blue Jays one of the most fearsome one-two-three combinations in the entire league. 
The other argument to bat Guerrero third is that he will have more opportunities to drive in runs with more baserunners ahead of him. However, this argument discounts the possibility of Guerrero driving himself in, which can’t be overstated. An extra 20 or 30 at-bats from Guerrero in 2026 could result in an extra win or two via the long ball. 
This rationale still stands if the Blue Jays don’t sign Tucker or Bichette. If Anthony Santander or Alejandro Kirk are going to hit behind Guerrero, it doesn’t matter whether they’re batting third or fourth. Getting Guerrero up to the plate more often is what matters most, especially when the team doesn’t have another surefire bet to slot into the two-hole. 
Guerrero plays his best when he’s comfortable and confident. While he may not immediately feel at ease batting second, he’s talented enough to settle in — and when he does, the Blue Jays will reap the rewards. 

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