Toronto Blue Jaysfirst basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. has been phenomenal throughout his career in Major League Baseball. In his first seven years in the majors, Guerrero has slashed .288/.366/.495 with an OPS of .861, totaling 183 home runs and 591 RBIs in 975 career games.
The 26-year-old star has made five MLB All-Star Games, won two Silver Slugger Awards, one Gold Glove and was named the American League Championship Series MVP last season.
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In 2025, Guerrero had a solid regular season, batting .292 with an .848 OPS, as he mashed 23 long balls and drove in 84 runs. While this was a successful season, he was even better in the playoffs.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Guerrero had a record-breaking postseason en route to leading the Blue Jays to their first World Series appearance since 1993. In 18 games, he had a slash line of .397/.494/.795 with an OPS of 1.289, hitting a single-season Toronto record eight home runs and 15 RBIs.
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Before Guerrero begins an encore on this incredible performance in the 2026 season, he will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic, the country where he was primarily raised.
On Monday, before the WBC begins this week, former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar spoke about what playing in the tournament will do for Guerrero.
“I think it’s a blessing in disguise that Vladdy’s going to the WBC and gonna be competing over there,” Pillar said, per SportsNet. “As you and I both know, spring training can get a little bit monotonous, and it can be a time to tinker and mess with your swing, take it out in the game. Trial and error.”
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Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar in spring training.© Kim Klement-Imagn Images
(© Kim Klement-Imagn Images)
“I think Vladdy’s at his best when he’s competing at the highest level of competition, and that’s what he’s about to do in the WBC,” Pillar continued. “I think he’s just gonna go out there and continue to do what he did in the postseason.”
Guerrero and the rest of the Dominican Republic team will begin their 2026 WBC campaign on Friday against Nicaragua at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, at 7 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on FS2.
Related: Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Status Update Emerges Ahead of World Baseball Classic
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.