Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Toronto Blue Jays for a decade now. Signed as a 16-year-old amateur free agent back in 2015, Guerrero has lived up to the hype that surrounded his rise through the ranks. Fans have long awaited the day he would become the face of the franchise, and it seems 2026 is officially that time.
With a massive 14-year, $500 million contract extension kicking in, Guerrero is stepping into the spotlight as the undisputed leader of the Blue Jays. This season marks the first without his longtime teammate Bo Bichette, but as manager John Schneider points out, Guerrero has been the heart of the team for quite some time.
"This has been his team, and it's going to continue to be his team," Schneider emphasized, highlighting Guerrero's role in setting the tone for the squad during Spring Training. From the moment he joined the majors alongside Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio, Guerrero has been a central figure in the clubhouse. Now, with Bichette and Biggio no longer by his side, Vladdy has the opportunity to amplify his leadership.
Schneider believes this is Guerrero's moment to have a louder voice and embrace the responsibility of being the team's cornerstone. Guerrero seems to have embraced this role, bringing energy and camaraderie to camp. A lighthearted moment with veteran George Springer, where Guerrero humorously "stole" Springer's shoes, underscores the fun atmosphere he's fostering.
Beyond the antics, Guerrero is also focusing on building strong connections with new teammates, such as Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto, a formidable hitter from Japan's NPB, is entering his first MLB season. Guerrero's role in helping Okamoto acclimate is crucial, especially as they prepare to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic.
Guerrero is also preparing for potential shifts in his defensive duties, possibly taking some innings at third base. His leadership will be key in ensuring the team is ready for Opening Day, and his efforts to bond with new players like Okamoto demonstrate his commitment to the Blue Jays' success.
As Guerrero steps fully into his role as the leader of the Blue Jays, fans can expect him to continue setting the tone both on and off the field. This season promises to be an exciting chapter in Guerrero's already impressive career.