Greno Jr. responded to contract disputes: Emphasizing that compensation is based on past performance, not future expectations

Blue Jays Heavy Cannon Gray Leno Jr. (Reuters)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] The Blue Jays played a doubleheader with the Orioles on the road today. The Blue Jays lost the first game 2-4, making it certain that the Blue Jays, who made it to the World Series last year, would miss the playoffs. When Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was recently interviewed by the Dominican media, he believed that the 14-year US$500 million (approximately NT$15.9 billion) contract extension was based on past performance, which sparked discussion. Greno Jr. said in an interview today, "What I said is my true feelings."

"I want everyone to understand one thing." Guerreno Jr. said in a recent interview with Dominican sports media reporter Veronica Batista. "The money they pay me is not because of what I am going to do in the future, but because of what I have done in the past. They are not paying me because I will hit 40 homers every year in the future, but because of what I have achieved in the past."

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When Greno Jr. was asked about this in an interview today, he emphasized through a translator, "No, I don't regret it. I didn't lie when I said it. I understand some fans who don't understand what I said and what I really wanted to express, but what I said is my true feeling."

When asked why he had such thoughts, Greno said, "That's what I said in the interview when she asked me how I felt this year. I said, obviously, I feel very sad about my performance this year because I didn't help the team make the playoffs."

Greno Jr. pointed out, "I said at the time, this is my personal opinion...Every player gets paid because of the contributions they have made in the past. Having said that, you must also remember that I signed this contract at the beginning of last year, and then I did have a good season. Then, I performed like that in the playoffs and helped the team reach the World Series."

Greno Jr. signed a 14-year, $500 million contract with the Blue Jays last year. Last season, he produced 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. His offensive measurements were 0.292/0.381/0.467, and his overall offense index (OPS) was 0.848. He helped the Blue Jays advance to the World Series. In the end, they lost a fierce battle with the Dodgers in 7 games and missed the World Series championship.

But Greno Jr. has fallen into a slump this year. He played 142 games throughout the season and only had 9 home runs, tying a career single-season low. He contributed 56 points and RBIs. His hitting measurements were 0.263/0.335/0.360, and his OPS of 0.695 was the worst in his career.