Vlad hopeful for big year after weight loss: 'I feel like I did in 2018'

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. believes his offseason training has set him up for a breakout campaign in 2021

"Back in 2018, I felt the same way that I feel right now, the same confidence that I feel now," Guerrero said through a team translator when asked about the last time he felt this strong, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun.

"And I'm good. That's why I think, I really believe I'm going to have a good year because I feel like I did in 2018."

Guerrero, who turns 22 years old on March 16, lost 42 pounds after completing a conditioning program. The Canadian-born Dominican slugger's new physique is also a reason for optimism in the field - a place where he has struggled while manning first and third base.

"I definitely feel very, very comfortable at first," Guerrero said. "I still need to keep working hard to be the best of me. Wherever the team needs me, I'm going to continue to work hard and get better."

Guerrero owns a career .269/.336/.442 slash line with 24 homers and 102 RBIs in 183 games with the Blue Jays. However, the former top prospect has yet to live up to the hype surrounding him after putting up gaudy minor-league numbers. Guerrero accrued a 1.073 OPS across four levels in Toronto's system in 2018.