Vladimir Guerrero Jr. takes shot at Shohei Ohtani over the World Series during interview
|
Victor William
Feb 12, 2026 (10:17)
|
|
Photo credit: Master Flip
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just gave the most brutally honest interview of the year, and he didn't pull a single punch.
The Blue Jays superstar reflected on the heartbreaking World Series loss to the Dodgers, but his comments about facing Shohei Ohtani are what everyone is talking about today.
In a candid conversation translated by Master Flip, Vladdy admitted that while the world saw the Dodgers as an unbeatable "dream team," he saw something different in the batter's box.
"Honestly? Shohei Ohtani wasn’t that tough to hit," Guerrero Jr. said, dropping a quote that will instantly become legendary in Toronto.
He contrasted Ohtani's pitching with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom he called "nasty" and a "straight-up MVP" for painting corners and dominating the series.
This level of swagger is exactly what this franchise has been missing for years.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr on facing Shohei Ohtani in the Word Series;
(Translation by Master Flip)
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.
Yamamoto, though? Yeah, that dude was nasty. Straight up MVP! I tip my cap. He was painting the corners low, dotting the knees, throwing strikes to everybody and dominating. Ohtani? Not as hard.
We were taking all series, just normal back and forth. That’s exactly why I say I had the time of my life in the World Series and had fun to the absolute max!
(Translation by Master Flip)
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.
Yamamoto, though? Yeah, that dude was nasty. Straight up MVP! I tip my cap. He was painting the corners low, dotting the knees, throwing strikes to everybody and dominating. Ohtani? Not as hard.
We were taking all series, just normal back and forth. That’s exactly why I say I had the time of my life in the World Series and had fun to the absolute max!
Respect is earned, but confidence is everything
Vladdy isn't being disrespectful; he's being a competitor who refuses to bow down to the "Ohtani myth."
His stats back it up: Guerrero Jr. homered off Ohtani in Game 4 and posted a monstrous 1.289 OPS for the series.
Hearing him say he had "the time of his life" despite the loss shows a maturity and a hunger that bodes well for 2026.
He acknowledged that Yamamoto was the difference-maker, praising his precision, while treating Ohtani's stuff as "not as hard."
This attitude sends a clear message to the rest of the league: The Blue Jays respect talent, but they don't fear names.
It takes guts to call out the face of baseball, but Vladdy has earned that right with his bat.
If this is the mindset the team is bringing into Spring Training, the rest of the AL East better watch out.
The "movie" isn't over yet; the sequel is just beginning, and Vladdy is ready for the lead role.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
John Schneider finally the real reason Jose Berrios left the team during the World Series
John Schneider finally the real reason Jose Berrios left the team during the World Series