Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wants playoff glory back in Toronto

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks to make a strong postseason run against the New York Yankees at home in the Division Series in his first step toward bringing the World Series back to Toronto.

Outdoor Postseason Baseball ☀️

The roof will be OPEN for Game One! #WANTITALL pic.twitter.com/8nEG3xa45d

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 4, 2025

The Blue Jays haven’t won a World Series title since 1993, three years before Guerrero’s Hall of Fame father even debuted in the majors with the former Montreal Expos. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a Dominican-Canadian, signed a contract extension with the Blue Jays worth $500 million over 14 seasons earlier this year. Guerrero feels good to represent his country and team at home against the Yankees.

The five-time All-Star hit .293 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs while helping the Blue Jays edge out the Yankees and Red Sox for the AL East crown. The Yankees beat the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card, two games to one, to earn their shot against the Blue Jays in the best-of-five Division Series, which starts tonight at Rogers Centre.

Focused on a title

“Every time I wake up, that’s my focus,” Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said. “That’s all I have in my head, my mind, thinking about the way to win some games and bring the World Series back to Toronto.”

Guerrero, who was born in Montreal while his Hall of Fame father played for the Expos, has made a lasting impact for Canada as his father Vladimir Guerrero Sr. once did in Montreal.

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Born in Nizao, Dominican Republic, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. played with the Montreal Expos for eight seasons. Vladimir Sr. went on to play for the Angels, Rangers, and Orioles before retiring in 2013.

He says that facing the Yankees is “personal.” Guerrero has put up strong performances when facing the Yankees. He hit .373 with two home runs, nine RBIs, four doubles and nine runs over 13 games against the Bronx Bombers this season.

By winning the AL East, the Blue Jays earned five days to rest before stepping up to the plate against the Yankees. Guerrero said the rest has felt great and helps him and his teammates.

Rested Blue Jays

“After you play a long season, 162 games, it’s hard, especially for your body,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero said he has been working hard to feel good mentally and physically. Blue Jays manager John Schneider wants Guerrero to “play free.” Schneider said Guerrero’s offense and swing has been close to where it should be.

“I want him to play how he plays every day,” Schneider said. “I think if he does that, he’s going to find himself in some big moments. And (he) really needs to kind of just lock into what the task is in that moment. …

“I think there’s going to be some spots where he’s up there, and I think that he’s anxious to do something big. And just realize that Vlady needs to be Vlady, and that will take care of everything else.”