Toronto Blue Jays make announcement concerning Vladimir Guerrero Jr
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Victor William
Jan 28, 2026 (2:40 PM)
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
This isn't just an exhibition tournament; it’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. announcing to the world that he’s ready to carry a nation※and then a franchise※on his back.
After the heartbreak of withdrawing in 2023, Vladdy is officially back where he belongs: representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
The Prince of #PLAKATA
🇩🇴 ¡El héroe de Don Gregorio!
OFFICIAL: Vladdy has been named to Team DR for the WBC!
🇩🇴 ¡El héroe de Don Gregorio!
OFFICIAL: Vladdy has been named to Team DR for the WBC!
The news dropped today that the Blue Jays first baseman has been added to the Dominican roster, managed by none other than legend Albert Pujols.
This is massive.
Guerrero Jr. (Signed as International Free Agent in 2015) is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where he posted an .848 OPS and earned MVP votes.
But we all know the narrative: can he be the guy when the pressure is suffocating?
The WBC is the perfect laboratory.
He’ll be playing meaningful, high-stress baseball in March while other stars are taking lazy swings in Florida.
Remember how guys like Trea Turner and Shohei Ohtani used the 2023 tournament as a springboard for monster seasons? That’s the blueprint for Vladdy.
He missed out last time due to knee discomfort, and the Dominican team flopped, failing to escape pool play.
Now, he gets a shot at redemption before Opening Day even arrives.
Iron sharpens iron
Some fans worry about injury risk. I get it.
But I’d rather have Vladdy facing 100 mph heat from Japan’s best pitchers than tracking knuckleballs on a backfield in Dunedin.
He’s entering his age-27 season※his absolute prime.
Playing alongside superstars under the guidance of Pujols is exactly the kind of mentorship that can unlock that final level of his game.
With Bo Bichette gone, this is Vladdy's team now.
Let him go get his swagger back on the world stage, then bring that gold medal energy back to Toronto.
It’s plakata season, folks. Get ready.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28|265 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays make announcement concerning Vladimir Guerrero Jr Does playing in the World Baseball Classic help Vladdy prepare for the 2026 season? | ||
| Yes | 212 | 80 % |
| No | 53 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||