• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Blue Jays Vlad Guerrero Jr. controls own destiny and that of franchise

 

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for a pivotal season, there’s one player who stands at the center of both the team’s immediate future and long-term aspirations: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 24-year-old slugger has already solidified himself as one of the game’s most dynamic hitters, but now, more than ever, Guerrero holds the key to the Blue Jays’ success — both in the short term and beyond.

Since his breakout 2019 season, Guerrero has been one of the faces of the franchise, and for good reason. A natural leader with immense power and an exceptional batting eye, he’s the player Toronto’s offense has revolved around. However, his journey has been marked by ups and downs. While his 2021 season was historic, finishing second in AL MVP voting and belting 48 home runs, Guerrero has faced growing expectations and challenges in the years since. 2023 was a year of adjustment, where he still posted impressive numbers but didn’t quite replicate his MVP-caliber form.

The question on everyone’s mind now: Which Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will show up in 2025?

For Guerrero, the pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. With the Blue Jays needing to take the next step toward contention, Guerrero’s performance will dictate the team’s trajectory. His bat is undeniably one of the best in baseball, but his ability to refine his approach at the plate, cut down on strikeouts, and remain consistent over a full season will be critical.

Guerrero has already shown glimpses of greatness, but there’s room for further growth. The maturation of his plate discipline, particularly in high-leverage situations, will be a game-changer for the Jays. If Guerrero can continue to elevate his play, particularly in big moments, he could be the catalyst that propels Toronto deep into the postseason.

In many ways, the Blue Jays’ window for championship contention hinges on Guerrero. While the team has built a strong core with players like Bo Bichette, Kevin Gausman, and Alejandro Kirk, Guerrero is the centerpiece. His growth and ultimate success will set the tone for the entire roster and the franchise’s long-term future.

Toronto’s front office has been aggressive in building around Guerrero, adding pieces like George Springer and signing pitchers like Chris Bassitt, but the team has yet to break through to the next level. As a result, Guerrero’s leadership, both on and off the field, will be tested more than ever. Whether it’s mentoring younger players or taking on the responsibility of leading the charge in big games, Guerrero’s role within the clubhouse and the Blue Jays’ identity will be just as vital as his bat.

As if the pressure to perform on the field weren’t enough, Guerrero’s future with the Blue Jays is a key question mark. With his contract running through the 2025 season, the Blue Jays will soon have to decide whether to lock him in for the long haul or entertain offers from other teams as his free agency looms. Guerrero’s legacy in Toronto — and possibly the franchise’s trajectory — will largely depend on how he and the organization approach this pivotal moment.

A contract extension could solidify Guerrero as the face of the Blue Jays for the next decade, but it will come down to negotiations, the team’s overall direction, and how Guerrero views his future with the club. With his family’s legacy in the game, there’s little doubt that Guerrero values the opportunity to bring a championship to Toronto, but will the front office be able to build a team around him capable of doing so?

**A Destiny in His Hands**

Ultimately, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. controls his own destiny. While the Blue Jays’ front office is tasked with building a roster capable of contending, Guerrero holds the power to shape the course of the franchise by either taking that next step or remaining an incredibly talented player without quite reaching the heights expected of him.

For Toronto, 2025 is not just another season. It’s a year that could determine whether the Blue Jays remain on the cusp of greatness or truly ascend to the elite level of Major League Baseball. But one thing is clear: the key to that success lies in Guerrero’s hands — and in the potential of what he can accomplish next.

As the face of the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doesn’t just represent the future of the franchise; he *is* the future. And what happens over the next few years will define not only his legacy but that of the Blue Jays for generations to come.

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