“I’m not going to say World Series or World Baseball Classic, but to me it’s, it’s different,” the 5-time All Star stated when asked to choose winning the World Baseball Classic with DR or the World Series with Blue Jays.

In the words of the experienced player, a hint of emotion was evident when he spoke about representing his nation in such an important tournament. While he didn’t confirm a preference, it’s clear that the feelings of playing for your country are not the same as playing for your club.

Next Sunday, March 15, the team led by Rodney Linares will face the United States for a spot in the championship game, after defeating South Korea in the quarterfinals.

Guerrero Jr.’s impact on Team DR

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Dominican Republic’s dominant 2026 WBC run, providing both veteran leadership and explosive power in the heart of the lineup.

Vladdy set the tone early in pool play, delivering a towering two-run home run against the Netherlands and a crucial RBI double to help secure the mercy-rule victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals.

Beyond his offensive production—highlighted by 6 RBIs in the opening games—his defensive reliability at first base and high-energy presence have been vital for a star-studded squad aiming to reclaim the global title.

Chasing the World Series

After a historic 2025 postseason run that saw the Toronto Blue Jays fall just one win short of a title, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enters the 2026 season as the undisputed face of the franchise.

Fresh off a monumental 14-year, $500 million contract extension and an MVP performance in the ALCS, Vladdy is looking to finish the job without his longtime partner Bo Bichette, who departed in free agency.

To bolster the roster, the front office has surrounded Guerrero with high-impact reinforcements, including Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto at third base and ace Dylan Cease to lead a rotation that now features breakout youngster Trey Yesavage.

Albert Pujols watched his club overwhelm Korea in a 10–0 quarterfinal victory, a game that highlighted the athleticism and instincts of Soto and Guerrero Jr.. Even without a barrage of home runs, the Dominican lineup consistently pressured the defense through aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.

After the game, Pujols emphasized how that approach could create problems for any opponent — including Team USA in the later stages of the tournament. “Speaking about Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Soto, maybe they are not the fastest runners, but they were aggressive on the bases,” Pujols said, according to MLB.com.

He also added, “When you have this kind of team that can damage you not only with the bat, but the way they play so aggressively, they know about the importance of this tournament for themselves, for the country, for our homeland.”

How did Guerrero Jr. spark the Dominican Republic offense?

The tone of the game was set early when Guerrero reached base with a walk in the second inning against former teammate Hyun Jin Ryu. Moments later, Junior Caminero drove a double into the left-field corner, giving Guerrero the opportunity to test Korea’s defense.

Racing around the bases, Guerrero approached home as the throw arrived ahead of him. Instead of sliding conventionally, the star first baseman launched into the air and stretched toward the inside of the plate, narrowly avoiding the tag to score the Dominican Republic’s first run.

Why does Pujols believe the lineup can trouble Team USA?

Pujols pointed out that the Dominican lineup’s value goes beyond raw power. With hitters such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Soto, and Guerrero capable of turning any play into a scoring opportunity, the team has created pressure on opposing defenses throughout the tournament.

With the Dominican Republic advancing deeper into the tournament, performances like this reinforce why the team remains one of the most dangerous contenders. If their mix of power and aggressive baserunning continues, the path to the World Baseball Classic title could eventually run through Pujols’ squad.

Long-term deals for players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dylan Cease anchor the ledger, while arbitration-eligible roster members contribute a rising salary base that quietly pushes total obligations higher.

At the same time, luxury tax thresholds loom on the horizon. Whether the Blue Jays ease back under the CBT line or push into higher tiers will depend on how this mix of contracts and payroll decisions plays out as the season approaches.

How much is the Toronto Blue Jays payroll in 2026?

The Toronto Blue Jays are projected to carry one of the heftiest payrolls in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season, with estimates placing their total well above $300 million for salary and luxury tax purposes, as Spotrac reported.

A large portion of that figure stems from the massive, long-term contract of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose 14-year, $500 million extension begins in 2026 with an annual salary over $35 million.

Alongside his deal, other high-value players such as Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman and George Springer command multi-million dollar salaries, anchoring the payroll even before arbitration raises are tallied.

Arbitration-eligible contributors and mid-tier veteran contracts add further layers to the financial picture. MLB teams generally include these figures when calculating competitive balance tax obligations, meaning their total payroll could trigger significant luxury tax implications.

In an interview with MLB Network, Guerrero Jr. opened up about his mindset when the ball left the bat, granting the Blue Jays their World Series berth. “It was an incredible run, and I feel so privileged to be part of this team,” Guerrero Jr. reflected on that pivotal moment.

Guerrero Jr. was instrumental in the postseason success of the team. Over 18 games, he boasted a .397 average with 8 home runs, 15 RBIs, 29 hits, 14 walks (including 6 intentional), an OPS of 1.289, and only seven strikeouts, showcasing his prowess on the field.

With such impressive contributions, he was the cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ postseason run. Looking ahead to the next season, the team will also welcome new talents, such as Kazuma Okamoto, one of MLB’s top prospects from Japan.

Guerrero Jr.’s poise in pressure-packed situations

The thrilling postseason moment became a highlight, as Guerrero Jr. detailed his thought process, explaining how he maintained composure to achieve success under pressure.

“During that particular moment in the playoff, I anticipated they might pitch around me. So I just focused on getting a good swing, and that’s exactly what I did,“ Guerrero Jr. said, recounting his preparation and execution during the critical juncture of the game.

What resonated with the fans was Guerrero Jr.’s unwavering determination to secure victory against the Seattle Mariners, one of the most formidable teams of the regular season, showcasing his sheer talent and resolve.

Toronto came close to a championship in 2025 but ultimately fell short in the World Series. Bichette returned during that postseason run and delivered a key moment in Game 7, briefly giving the Blue Jays the lead. However, the team could not hold on, and the disappointment still lingers as they prepare for 2026.

Now, with Bichette gone, manager John Schneider made it clear who the franchise is counting on moving forward. “In my opinion, Vladdy’s always been the guy in his whole time here. When he came up, it was him, Bo [Bichette], Cavan [Biggio], the sons of the big leaguers. When each guy kind of departs, it’s cool that Vlad has been the one that’s here, the one we’re building around,” Schneider said, via Sportsnet.

Schneider’s confidence in Guerrero Jr.

Schneider’s comments reflect stability rather than concern. While losing a star like Bichette is never easy, the Blue Jays believe their foundation remains strong because Guerrero is still in place.

The manager also suggested that this transition could elevate Guerrero’s leadership role inside the clubhouse. “If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice. I think it allows him to be more free,” Schneider added.

Blue Jays build around their long-term star

Any doubts about Guerrero’s future in Toronto were settled when the organization signed him to a 14-year, $500 million extension. That deal confirmed he is the centerpiece of the franchise’s long-term plans.

As the Blue Jays prepare for a possible revenge run in 2026 — potentially even against the Los Angeles Dodgers — the message from Schneider is simple. The team’s identity starts with Guerrero, and their championship hopes will rise or fall with their franchise star leading the way.

“We acquired new players, great players. I think this is going to be more fun. I’m actually happier than last year,” Guerrero Jr. admitted, via MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “For whatever reason, I’m happier and feeling great. I have good feelings about this year.”

While Guerrero Jr. didn’t take a personal or direct shot at his former teammates, his comments suggest something has changed both personally and from a team standpoint.

The Blue Jays—like the Mets—underwent several changes and will feature a lineup quite different from what fans had grown used to in 2025 and in previous seasons as well, for that matter.

Next time Blue Jays and Mets meet

Toronto and New York will only meet once in the 2026 MLB season in a three-game series. The interleague showdown will take place at Rogers Centre on June 29th, 30th, and July 1st. By then, who knows whether Guerrero Jr.’s words will be pinned to Bichette’s bulletin board or long forgotten.

Needless to say, Bichette and the Mets have enough on their plates heading to the 2026 MLB season. This upcoming campaign will be crucial for the Orange and Blue. That was made clear after the Mets’ leaders learned a firm decision from owner Steve Cohen, announcing there won’t be a team captain.

Thus, it’s easy to believe Bichette and the Mets don’t have time to worry about whatever’s going on with Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays. Still, words travel fast in MLB, and the new third baseman in Queens may have gotten wind of the latest comments out of The Six.

Shohei Ohtani, as both pitcher and hitter, made headlines throughout the series, contributing three home runs, nine walks, and pitching in two games. Despite the attention he received, not everyone on the Blue Jays was impressed with the two-way star.

In an exclusive interview with Yancen Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expressed his thoughts on facing Ohtani. “We knew we were up against the ‘dream team’ and everyone had us as massive underdogs. People were already calling it, swept 1-2-3-4, done. But honestly? Shohei Ohtani wasn’t that tough to hit,” Guerrero said in Spanish.

Guerrero highlights tougher opponent

While Guerrero downplayed Ohtani’s pitching, he praised Yoshinobu Yamamoto, noting that the Blue Jays struggled far more against him. Guerrero emphasized that Ohtani, despite the hype, did not present the same level of challenge.

Personal performance vs. Ohtani

Guerrero went 1-for-5 against Ohtani, striking out once and walking once. That lone hit, however, was impactful—a two-run homer in Game 4 that helped the Blue Jays secure a 6-2 win. Outside of that swing, Guerrero admitted he didn’t have much success against the Dodgers’ standout.

Despite the devastating conclusion, he finds a way to cherish the difficult moments, saying it was “A year that changed my life. A year that made me appreciate times that didn’t make sense. A year I will frame forever.” This poignant reflection acknowledges the emotional toll of the 2025 MLB season dramatic run.

In his final lines, Vladdy sends a powerful message of unity and resilience to everyone who supported the Blue Jays‘ improbable World Series bid. He makes it clear that the organization’s success is a collective achievement, noting, “The above wouldn’t be possible to say without all of you.” He concludes with a brief, defiant promise for the future of the team and its fans: “We were born ready. We stay ready.”

This is not the first message dedicated to the Blue Jays fans

It should be noted that after losing the 2025 World Series, Guerrero Jr. had already addressed the Blue Jays faithful, apologizing for not winning the title. “The only thing I’ve got to say is I’m sorry because we couldn’t, you know. We couldn’t give you that title that we know that the entire city wants, and of course, myself included.”

Furthermore, Guerrero Jr. commented at that time on how the painful Game 7 and the entire season would make the Blue Jays a much stronger club: “Not just the season, this game will make us stronger. It’s not the way we wanted to end it but like I always say, we lost one battle, but we haven’t lost the war.”

Gausman also addressed the fan base

Another of Guerrero Jr.’s Blue Jays teammates who recently shared a message with the fans was Kevin Gausman: “All I ever wanted to do was make the city and country proud of the team that represents them. To the fans—thank you, I will never forget it.”

At the center of that talent is first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who recently secured a 14-year, $500 million contract extension. His presence anchors the lineup, and his voice carries weight in discussions about the team’s future.

With the offseason approaching, the focus shifts to fellow superstar Bo Bichette, whose impending free agency could shape the next chapter of Toronto’s championship window. Guerrero made his position clear following World Series Game 7, signaling his hope that the Blue Jays retain his longtime teammate.

Will the Blue Jays keep Bichette alongside Guerrero?

“I would love to finish my career playing with him,” Guerrero said according to MLB.com. “But it’s free agency, so he’s got to do his thing to go and do what he has to do, to get his money.”

Both Guerrero and Bichette share a unique bond, being sons of former Major League players and coming up together through the Blue Jays’ system. Their synergy has been a major factor in Toronto’s recent success, including Bichette’s key contributions despite a midseason knee injury.

What’s next if Bichette departs?

Should the Blue Jays and Bichette fail to agree on a new contract, Toronto has options within the organization. Andres Gimenez has been deployed at shortstop throughout the postseason, and while he provides a reliable alternative, the club may explore other avenues to fill the void.

The team’s decision on Bichette will not only impact its on-field chemistry but also Guerrero’s own long-term experience in Toronto. Keeping the dynamic duo intact could be crucial for future playoff runs.

According to Guerrero Jr., he kept his pregame interactions with Scherzer to a minimum. “I just say ‘Hi’ when we get here and that’s it,” Guerrero said about days when the veteran pitcher was starting. He even described Scherzer as “scary,” a word other players have used in different ways to describe the right-hander’s fiery demeanor.

Scherzer’s focus is so intense that few Blue Jays teammates dare talk to him during games. “When he’s finished, you can talk to him. But when he’s on the mound? Nah,” Guerrero added. His comments echo what Hoffman and Little once said about Scherzer, once the headphones go on, no one interrupts him. It’s an unwritten rule in the clubhouse.

Ty France and Schneider have also witnessed Scherzer’s intensity

France recalled an awkward encounter when he tried to congratulate Scherzer during a game. “I messed up,” France admitted. “No one told me not to talk to him. He got out of a jam, I think it was the third inning. I went to high-five him and he walked right past me, so I patted him on the butt and he had some choice words for me. But then we had a laugh after.”

Manager John Schneider also got a taste of Scherzer’s competitive fire on October 17, when he asked if the pitcher could keep going on the mound. Scherzer didn’t hesitate to fire back: “What, are you f—— crazy?” Schneider recalled with a laugh.

“I think he wasn’t planning—gathering from the bullpen—that he wasn’t actually planning on taking me out,” Scherzer said after that rage answer with Schneider in mid October. “He just wanted to check on me. So I don’t think I actually fought to stay in. I think it was kind of a mind game to kind of get me going.”

It will take a while before Blue Jays fans can watch Game 7 of the 2025 World Series again. Baseball is a game of inches, and all throughout the championship series, those went the Dodgers’ way. It simply wasn’t meant to be, though that is a very tough pill to swallow in Hogtown.

As the 2025 MLB season comes to an end in utter heartbreak for Guerrero and the Blue Jays—watching the Dodgers hoist back-to-back World Series—the star first baseman in Toronto dropped a blunt confession for fans to hear.

“The only thing I’ve got to say is I’m sorry because we couldn’t, you know,” Guerrero Jr. commented, as reported by Newsweek. “We couldn’t give you that title that we know that the entire city wants, and of course, myself included.”

The numbers behind a historic run

Needless to say, Guerrero was the key piece to the puzzle for the Blue Jays. Entering the MLB Playoffs as the number one seed out of the American League, Toronto knew it would go as far as Guerrero could take them.

That winded up being just one run short of the franchise’s first championship in over 30 years. Still, as the Blue Jays deal with the most pain they’ve felt in decades, there are no regrets about Guerrero’s production.

The Dominican-Canadian star capped off the postseason with an impressive slash line, hitting .397/.494/.795. Moreover, Guerrero registered 8 home runs and a total of 15 runs batted in (RBI) in 18 games played during the playoffs.

Pregame jersey ran out of magic

Guerrero had sent waves all over the sports landscape when he arrived wearing Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ jersey for Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Considering the Maple Leafs’ luck in winner takes all showdowns, many thought Guerrero Jr. was really rolling his dice with the outfit selection.

Regardless, it paid off. However, when Guerrero walked into Rogers Centre sporting a Team Canada women’s Marie-Philip Poulin jersey, his luck ran out, as the Blue Jays were narrowly edged by the Dodgers.