Blue Jays news: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. makes bold claim on the AL MVP race vs. Shohei Ohtani

Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerreo Jr. made one bold claim on the AL MVP race against Los Angeles Angels two-way talent Shohei Ohtani.

While there is currently much attention centered on the playoff races across MLB, there is also an eye on the race between Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Los Angeles Angels two-way talent Shohei Ohtani for the 2021 American League MVP Award.

At one point in the season, Ohtani was presumed as the runaway favorite for the AL MVP Award thanks to his prowess on the mound and at the plate. However, Guerrero’s late surge has made this race a bit more intriguing, which has included a .383 batting average and seven home runs so far in the month of September.

As many as of late have provided their input on this tightly contested AL MVP race, Guerrero also recently shared his take on this matter. As he told ESPN’s Marly Rivera, the Blue Jays superstar believes he should claim the award for the first time in his career.

“I would consider myself the MVP,” Guerrero said. “But you know he's (Ohtani) obviously doing a really good job. There’s Salvador Perez too, who is also doing really well. Whatever they decide, I'll be happy, but I do consider myself the MVP.”

Here’s Vlad Guerrero Jr. talking about the day last season when he decided that everything, including his conditioning, would have to change. Vladdy also discussed advice from his Hall of Fame father, as well as Shohei Ohtani and the AL MVP Race. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/zQno7GOq4z

— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) September 22, 2021

One major argument in the case for Guerrero to win the AL MVP Award has been the fact that the Blue Jays are currently battling for an AL wild-card spot, while Ohtani’s Angels team has already been eliminated from playoff contention. As it stands, Toronto currently sits at 0.5 games back of the New York Yankees for the second wild-card spot in the AL.

Guerrero is much focused on leading Toronto back to the playoffs.

“Like I told you, I came here to work,” Guerrero said. “If God has it planned for me, I'll take it, but I'm here to work and I'm focused on continue winning so we can make the playoffs.”

The Blue Jays will have a major three-game home series coming against the Yankees later this month. This upcoming clash between the two AL East sides may be the decider in which of these two teams will end up clinching a spot in this season's AL wild-card game.