Toronto Blue Jays: Moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to first base was inevitable

While it might have come sooner than expected, the Toronto Blue Jays are making the right call moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to first base.

Sometimes the news you anticipate can come as a surprise and that was the case when Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo made it known that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will change positions in 2020.

This decision seems like it was set in motion last season when Gurrero Jr. made it to the majors and it seemed like there was a clock on his time at third base. Despite the amount of time the organization spent trying to make him a capable defender, the focus should be in another important area.

With only 60 games in this season, the Blue Jays are going to need to maximize the potential for each player and for Guerrero Jr., that means ensuring his bat reaches its potential.

"“It’s all about a player having the best chance to compete,” manager Montoyo told reporters about the change. “It’s going to be a short season, so for me the best chance for Vlad is to play first base, DH, and also play third. Me knowing that Travis Shaw can play third because I’ve seen him, and he’s a good third baseman, also helps that. But this is more about Vladdy and giving him a chance to succeed in a short season.”"

More from Tip of the Tower

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith

Not only is this the best decision for Guerrero Jr. but the Blue Jays stand to benefit too. Having Vlad play at first base, move to designated hitter and some time at third base opens up a place for others to get playing time as well.

Travis Shaw is a more capable player at the hot corner and Jordan Groshans should get playing time there as well. At some point in the near future, Austin Martin will be in the picture so the Blue Jays are better off making this move now while they can.

With Bo Bichette and Rowdy Tellez swinging the hot bat in the first couple of practice games, the Blue Jays are hoping Guerrero Jr. won’t be too far behind him. This will really be the best way for Toronto to compete especially in a stacked AL East.

What do you think about the Blue Jays moving Guerrero Jr. from third to first? Where do you think it will have the biggest benefit? Let us know in the comments below.