Can Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sustain his big-stage performances for the Blue Jays?
The 27-year-old baseball star has been on a tear lately, silencing the narrative that he can't perform in crucial moments. In the 2025 postseason, he hit eight homers in 18 games, leading the Blue Jays to a pennant. Then, in the World Baseball Classic, he hit .444 with eight RBI in five games, showcasing his dominance with chest slaps and spiked bats. This level of performance has raised the question: Can Guerrero maintain this elevated play throughout the season, or is it reserved for big games? The Blue Jays, especially after losing Bo Bichette, need Guerrero's best form more often.
Guerrero's improved performance isn't just about luck. His average exit velocity increased from 92 mph to 101.5 mph, and he swung the bat faster, barreled up more pitches, chased less, and walked more. This transformation is not new; Guerrero led the American League in on-base percentage, slugging, runs, and homers in 2021, and hit .333 with a .943 OPS in July 2022. The challenge is reaching this level consistently, bringing his big-stage magic to regular-season games.
Manager John Schneider acknowledges the challenge, saying, 'How can you be that force for 162 before you get into the postseason?' Guerrero's confidence never wavered, and he focuses on daily improvement. He doesn't see his hot stretches as unique, but the Jays need him to recreate that magic more often. With Bichette's departure, Guerrero is expected to take on a louder role in the clubhouse and the lineup, becoming a greater force in the team's success.
However, the Jays' Opening Day rotation is in flux due to an injury to Jose Berríos, who has a stress fracture in his throwing elbow. This adds another layer of uncertainty to the team's plans. Despite the challenges, Guerrero's ability to perform on baseball's biggest stages is undeniable, and the Jays are counting on him to bring that magic to the regular season.
