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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been anointed as MLB’s next superstar, per a notable insider.
Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been anointed as MLB’s next superstar.
According to insider John Morosi, the Jays’ slugger could join other elites in the highest echelons of the game.
Morosi’s rationale stems from “Vladdy’s” performance in last fall’s postseason and this year’s World Baseball Classic. His clutch performances and leadership have prompted Morosi to declare this about Guerrero Jr.:
“I believe he will join Ohtani and Judge among the faces and the true superstars of the game.”
Ranking Vladdy in the same category as New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani is a major statement. Both Judge and Ohtani are multiple MVP winners. They have also excelled on baseball’s biggest stage.
While Guerrero Jr. hasn’t quite accrued the accolades that Judge and Ohtani have, it might be a matter of time before he does. The Blue Jays star walked away with a Bronze Medal at this year’s WBC.
Perhaps this might be the season that Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays break through. In 2021, Vladdy was runner-up to Ohtani in AL MVP voting. He would have won had Ohtani not had one of the most incredible seasons of all-time, as a hitter and pitcher.
Last season, the Blue Jays came painfully close to a World Series championship. If Vladdy and the Blue Jays can get over the hump, it could mean true superstardom for everyone involved.
Pressure is now off for Guerrero Jr.
Morosi made an interesting point about why he believes the face of the Blue Jays franchise could have another breakout year.
The notable insider pointed out that some stars feel relieved when they sign a massive contract extension. That was the case at the beginning of last year, when the Blue Jays inked their star to a $500 million contract.
Instead of feeling the pressure, the Blue Jays slugger has been liberated in knowing where he’ll be for the remainder of his career.
“There are certain players that, when they get the big extension, it’s actually a relief of pressure, as opposed to an addition of pressure. With Vladdy, I do believe it’s a relief of pressure. He’s going to be able to be an even more comfortable superstar; he knows where his home is going to be forever now.”
But there’s one other major factor that Morosi believes will influence Guerrero Jr.’s potentially big 2026 season.
No Drama for Vladdy This Season
Entering last season, the major storyline was Vladdy’s potential free agency. That situation seemed to have taken a toll early in the season until his 15-year contract extension went through.
As such, this season won’t see any drama heading in Guerrero Jr.’s direction.
“Last year, when the season began, there was the drama… now he knows he’ll be there forever. It’s his team now.”
“I believe he will join Ohtani and Judge among the faces and the true superstars of the game.”
– @jonmorosi on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
That situation is what has prompted Morosi to declare that Guerrero Jr. will join Ohtani and Judge among MLB’s premier superstars. A World Series would more than catapult the Blue Jays’ star into that upper echelon of MLB greats.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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