Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is firmly making his mark as one of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars, and his recent achievements and commitments signal a pivotal moment not only for his career but for Canadian baseball as a whole. Born in Montreal and raised in the Dominican Republic, Guerrero Jr. has just signed a monumental $500 million contract — the third largest in MLB history — underscoring his value and the faith the Blue Jays organization has placed in him. More importantly, he embodies the hopes of a nation eager to see Toronto claim its first World Series title in 32 years.
Guerrero Jr.’s journey to this pinnacle is deeply intertwined with family legacy and personal ambition. His father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., is a baseball Hall of Famer who spent much of his career with the Montreal Expos, a team that ultimately never captured a World Series championship. Now, Guerrero Jr., born in his father’s former hometown, is determined to complete the family’s unfinished business. In a heartfelt interview with Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci, he revealed his personal goal: to win a World Series and present the championship ring to his father. This heartfelt motivation adds a layer of emotional depth to his stellar on-field performances.
Throughout the postseason, Guerrero Jr. has been instrumental in propelling the Blue Jays forward. He was named Most Valuable Player in the division series, a testament to his impact and skill. The team’s success has set the stage for a thrilling World Series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning with Game 1 on Friday. This pairing promises a compelling narrative — pitting the defending champions, led by Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, against an underdog Blue Jays squad anchored by Guerrero Jr.
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is a global sensation, having signed a record-breaking $700 million contract that highlights his unique dual-threat ability as both a pitcher and a hitter. Meanwhile, Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as “Vladdy Jr.” by fans, made headlines earlier this year with his own 14-year megadeal. Beyond the staggering financial figures, Guerrero Jr.’s contract symbolizes a deep commitment to Toronto and to Canadian baseball. From a young age, he was groomed for greatness, seen warming up with his father and the Expos as a toddler, and now he has dedicated the prime of his career to Canada’s sole Major League team.
When Guerrero Jr. signed his deal in April 2024, many viewed it as a beacon of hope for a Blue Jays franchise that had stumbled the previous year, finishing last in their division. There was also skepticism about whether Toronto could financially and culturally retain a superstar player, given the city’s reputation for losing top talent to larger markets like New York or Los Angeles. Liz McGuire, a lifelong Blue Jays fan and host of the podcast Jay Bird Watching, explained how the city’s history of losing stars like Jose Bautista in 2017 had left fans cautious.
Toronto’s yearning for a marquee signing was palpable in 2023 when rumors swirled about Ohtani potentially joining the Blue Jays. Fans eagerly tracked a private jet from California to Toronto, only to be disappointed when the famed Japanese player committed to the Dodgers instead. Despite that setback, the Blue Jays still had Guerrero Jr., who has been with the organization since his teenage years. His prodigious talent was evident early on — he was “hitting dingers” as a kid, according to McGuire, who celebrated his contract by purchasing a signed game-used bat for $2,500.
Guerrero Jr.’s appeal extends beyond his athletic prowess. Rob Silver, a baseball fan and podcast host from Ottawa, highlighted Guerrero Jr.’s likability and humility, qualities that have endeared him to fans. “He’s a big kid who happens to be this unworldly superstar and future Hall of Famer,” Silver said. Guerrero Jr.’s dedication to the team and the city is evident both on and off the field. In a poignant moment during Game 5 against the Seattle Mariners, he rushed to assist his teammate George Springer after an injury, helping him limp off the field. Springer later hit the game-winning home run in Game 7, underscoring the team’s unity and Guerrero Jr.’s leadership.
Off the diamond, Guerrero Jr. remains grounded. He lives with his grandmother and has incorporated her traditional Dominican recipes into his trainer’s meal