Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gets swing advice from Albert Pujols amid 2026 slump

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is off to a slow start in the 2026 MLB season, batting .273 with only four home runs. On June 26, Hall of Famer Albert Pujols offered a solution, identifying a mechanical flaw in Guerrero’s swing that could be holding him back.

Pujols, who managed Guerrero with the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, pointed out a 'wrapping' problem. The bat sticks out too far behind Guerrero’s head at the start of his swing, creating a longer and slower path to contact. 'When I see the tip of the bat, that means I'm taking my hands too far back,' Pujols explained on MLB Network.

With fastballs coming in at 95-96 mph, Guerrero has less than a second to react. Pujols believes the fix lies in 'separation'-keeping the bat closer to his lower body at the start of the swing. This adjustment would put Guerrero in a stronger position before committing to his swing.

Guerrero hit 48 home runs in 2021 and averaged 28 per season from 2022 to 2025. However, in nearly half of the 2026 season, he has managed just four homers. His slugging percentage of .358 is the lowest of his career, raising concerns about his power numbers.

Pujols’ advice could be the key to unlocking Guerrero’s production. If the adjustment works, it might help the Blue Jays secure a second straight postseason appearance. Guerrero’s struggles have been a focal point for Toronto, and a corrected swing path could make a significant difference down the stretch.