Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes Toronto Blue Jays History vs. Athletics
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes Toronto Blue Jays History vs. Athletics
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the youngest player in Blue Jays history to collect 1,000 hits. The milestone hit came off Athletics pitcher, Luis Severino, in the form of a fifth-inning single. The Blue Jays also came away with the 7-6 win over the Athletics. Guerrero Jr.’s success has also helped translate to success for the Blue Jays this season, as they now sit atop the American League East with a record of 55-39. They will look to keep the good times rolling against the Athletics on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. EDT.
Prior to the 2025 MLB season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. spent quite a bit of time in the headlines. Guerrero Jr., having spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays, bet on himself ahead of his most recent contract negotiations.
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After the Blue Jays had reportedly offered him a lucrative, long-term contract, he declined. After seeing the massive deals signed by the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani and the Mets, Juan Soto, Guerrero Jr. held out until he received the contract he was seeking.
And with the ink barely dry on that 14-year, $500 million contract extension between Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays, he hasn’t wasted any time proving his worth on the field.
On Friday, with the Blue Jays taking on the Athletics, on the road, Guerrero Jr. collected hit No. 1,000 of his career. The milestone hit came off Athletics pitcher, Luis Severino, in the form of a fifth-inning single.
This hit made history. According to @statmuse on X, Guerrero Jr. became the youngest player in Blue Jays history to collect 1,000 hits. As of Friday, Guerrero Jr. is 26 years, and 118 days old.
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Guerrero Jr. also became just the tenth player in Blue Jays history to reach the 1,000 hit milestone. He would collect a second hit on the night, as he now sits at 1,001 hits for his career. The Blue Jays also came away with the 7-6 win over the Athletics.
Jul 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates after defeating the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Guerrero Jr.’s success has also helped translate to success for the Blue Jays this season. The Blue Jays now sit atop the American League East with a record of 55-39. The Blue Jays 55 wins stands as the second most in the AL, and their 32 wins are the most in the AL.
The Blue Jays remain the hottest team in MLB, as they have won 11 of their last 12 games. Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays will look to keep the good times rolling against the Athletics on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. EDT on MLB Network.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. makes history as youngest MLB All-Star Game MVP at age 22 with standout performance
At just 22 years and 119 days, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the youngest ever to take home the All-Star Game MVP award. He crushed a solo homer off Corbin Burnes, launching it a staggering 452 feet. His Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA) for the game clocked in at .500, demonstrating not just presence, but dominance. The narrative that youth falters under pressure? It’s being rewritten, led by talents like Guerrero who thrive where others might buckle. The ripples of this performance go beyond the night itself, setting the stage for future phenoms and redefining what it means to be a young star under the glaring lights of the big leagues. As the seasons roll by, we’ll watch with bated breath to see how this emerging titan will craft his legacy.
The All-Star Game—there’s nothing quite like it in sports. Every July, amidst the relentless summer heat that turns ballparks into furnaces, Major League Baseball pauses to celebrate its finest. It’s not just any game; it’s a showcase of baseball’s best, where the mythology of the Midsummer Classic lingers in every pitch, every swing. And in 2021, that mythos had a new chapter written by a young prince of the game, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — a kid at heart yet commanding the diamond like a seasoned great.
Guerrero Jr. wasn’t just there to play; he was there to etch his name into baseball lore. At just 22 years and 119 days, he became the youngest ever to take home the All-Star Game MVP award. It was a night that didn’t just shake Coors Field; it challenged old baseball axioms about youth and high-pressure performance.
Just look at the numbers from that spectacular night. Guerrero Jr. crushed a solo homer off Corbin Burnes—a pitcher whose arsenal usually leaves batters guessing—launching it a staggering 452 feet. That shot wasn’t just another homer; it was a thunderous announcement of Guerrero’s arrival on baseball’s grandest stage. His Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA) for the game clocked in at .500, demonstrating not just presence, but dominance. The American League’s triumph, a 5-2 affair, had young Vlad’s fingerprints all over it.
That season, Guerrero was already flying high, with a wRC+ of 166, putting him head and shoulders above most of the league. Yet in the All-Star game, he ascended even further, picking up a couple of RBIs and showing his knack for shining brightest when the spotlight is most intense.
But this wasn’t just a slugfest; it was a cerebral chess match against the best arms in the game. Guerrero Jr. exhibited a preternatural sense for pitch selection, waiting for the right moment against a formidable foe like Burnes—a lesson in patience and precision that belied his youth.
In another plate appearance, he added an RBI on a groundout—showing us all that he’s not merely about the long ball, but a multifaceted asset. This kind of versatility in approach is what separates the good from the truly great—those who can adapt and contribute in myriad ways.
Vlad Jr.’s MVP performance doesn’t just hang as a personal accolade; it’s a harbinger of what’s to come for the Toronto Blue Jays and possibly the game as a whole. The ripples of this performance go beyond the night itself, setting the stage for future phenoms and redefining what it means to be a young star under the glaring lights of the big leagues.
I can’t help but draw parallels to the legacies of Ripken, Trout, and other legends who left indelible marks early in their careers. The narrative that youth falters under pressure? It’s being rewritten, led by talents like Guerrero Jr. who thrive where others might buckle.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t just a flash in the pan; he’s a force poised to reshape the game. His historic MVP at the All-Star Game is a firm testament to his prowess, dedication, and the promise of a bright future. As the seasons roll by, we’ll watch with bated breath to see how this emerging titan will craft his legacy, forever altering baseball’s landscape. The All-Star Game, while but a mere blip in the grand scheme of the season, will resonate through time—thanks to Guerrero’s unforgettable performance, reverberating in the annals of baseball history.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr: The Future of Baseball
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been making headlines in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his impressive performance. His rise in the sport not only captivates baseball fans but also highlights the growing talent within Canadian baseball. His leadership in the clubhouse and engagement with fans have made him a beloved figure in Toronto and beyond. He embodies the spirit of the team and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of baseball players. With his undeniable talent and growing influence, there are high hopes for his future in the MLB.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the promising young player of the Toronto Blue Jays, has been making headlines in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his impressive performance. His rise in the sport not only captivates baseball fans but also highlights the growing talent within Canadian baseball. As one of the most celebrated players in recent history, Guerrero Jr.’s impact on the game and his potential to lead the Blue Jays to success are topics of great importance in today’s sports landscape.
Performance Overview
Since making his debut in 2019, Guerrero Jr. has quickly become one of the most recognized figures in the league. His batting prowess has earned him significant accolades, including selections to the All-Star Game. In the 2021 season, he recorded a remarkable 48 home runs, leading the MLB in home runs and driving in crucial runs that helped the Blue Jays stay competitive in a fiercely contested American League East.
In the current 2023 season, Guerrero Jr. continues to showcase his skills with both consistency and flair. As of early October, he boasts a batting average of .290, with over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. His ability to perform under pressure in late-season games is a hallmark of his young career, making him a player to watch as the playoffs approach.
Impact on the Team and Community
Guerrero Jr.’s influence extends beyond just statistics. His leadership in the clubhouse and engagement with fans have made him a beloved figure in Toronto and beyond. He embodies the spirit of the team and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of baseball players, particularly in Canada where baseball continues to grow in popularity.
Moreover, Guerrero Jr. has been active in charity work, promoting youth sports initiatives aimed at providing children with opportunities in baseball and other athletics. His commitment to giving back to the community echoes the values of sportsmanship and responsibility that are crucial in professional athletics.
Conclusion
As Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to evolve as a player and a person, the baseball world watches closely. With his undeniable talent and growing influence, there are high hopes for his future in the MLB. As he chases personal milestones and aims for a championship title with the Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. symbolizes the promising future of baseball in Canada. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await what this young star will accomplish in the years to come.
Toronto Blue Jays News – MLB
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the youngest player in Blue Jays history to reach 1,000 career hits. Guerrero went 2-for-4 with a walk, one stolen base and one run scored in Friday’s 7-6 win over the Athletics. The first
Guerrero went 2-for-4 with a walk, one stolen base and one run scored in Friday’s 7-6 win over the Athletics.
Impact Guerrero’s first hit of the game was the 1,000th of his career, making him the youngest player in Blue Jays history to reach that mark with the team. He’s been a little quiet at the plate to begin July, going 9-for-36 (.250) with no home runs, two RBI and a 7:7 BB:K over his first nine games this month. Overall, the first baseman has a .279/.384/.439 slash line with 12 home runs, 46 RBI, 57 runs scored and five steals across 92 contests this season.
Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved plate discipline fuels record on-base streak
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on pace to break 100 walks for the first time in his career. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman is chasing pitches out of the zone less than ever before. Guerrero has extended baseball’s longest active on-base streak to 33 games — the longest by a Blue Jay since 2016. The Blue Jays’ three-hole has combined to hit just .193 on the season with a .626 OPS — both bottom marks on the team. The $500 million slugger has the lowest two-strike chase rate of his career and is following up with walks with missed chances with more strikeouts of his own.. If Guerrero gets some protection and finds his power stroke, his walk rate will likely be mashed instead of taken for four. When he’ll be lacing those four balls across the ball, the first baseman’S power stroke is pretty incredible at the quality and quality at the level he is playing at. He is seeing fewer pitches in the heart of the. zone and a career-high 43 percent of offerings within a ball’s width of the edge.
It was Guerrero’s third walk in Friday’s 11-7 win over the Athletics and one of the 38 free passes he has earned this season.
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The Blue Jays’ $500 million slugger, sitting eighth in MLB in the category, is on pace to break 100 walks for the first time in his career. He is chasing pitches out of the zone less than ever before.
The bases on balls are a big reason Guerrero on Tuesday extended baseball’s longest active on-base streak to 33 games — the longest by a Blue Jay since 2016. The overt show of patience also hints at an untapped upside.
“Vlad’s not afraid to take his walks,” manager John Schneider said. “And we’re kind of seeing more and more of that. And we hope that it’s not the case, going forward you want him to swing the bat. But Vlad’s figured a lot of things out in a short amount of time.”
Despite reaching base in nearly 40 percent of his plate appearances last year, Guerrero still chased 27.5 percent of pitches outside the strike zone. This year, his chase rate sits at 21.4 percent, the lowest of his career.
Bat speed and raw power decline with age, but a discerning eye is one of the rare hitting skills that can improve with experience. Guerrero’s pitcher Rolodex continues to grow. He’s not only learned how pitchers attack him but also against what deliveries he can truly do damage. The slider has always been right-handed pitchers’ primary breaking weapon against Guerrero. In 2024, he swung at 77 percent of sliders at the bottom corner of the zone. This year, the swing rate has dropped to 59 percent.
“I think he’s more aware of teams,” hitting coach David Popkins said. “Like how they’re pitching him and where they’re trying to pitch him.”
That discipline has been crucial for Guerrero this year, with a rotating cast of batters hitting behind him. Lineup protection — especially when pitching plans are so tailored in 2025 — is often nebulous and unquantifiable. However, the lack of protection has been real for Guerrero as he has played nearly every game this season in the second slot of Toronto’s lineup.
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The Blue Jays’ three-hole has combined to hit just .193 on the season with a .626 OPS — both bottom marks on the team. Anthony Santander leads the team with at-bats in the third spot and is hitting .182 in the position. The effect? Guerrero is seeing fewer pitches in the heart of the zone and a career-high 43 percent of offerings within a ball’s width of the edge. With little to fear behind Guerrero, pitchers live on the fringe against him.
“It’s tough for Vlad to stay disciplined and take his walks,” Schneider said, “and he’s doing a really good job of that. But you want something good to happen after that.”
No matter who’s hitting behind him, Guerrero is never going to see challenge fastballs down the middle. MLB teams have been careful with the right-handed power hitter since he was a big-name rookie with a Hall of Fame father. Guerrero has had to be on the hunt for rare mistakes to do damage.
Guerrero has gotten on base in nearly 40 percent of his plate appearances this season, despite not taking full advantage of in-zone opportunities. Guerrero might be chasing less, but he’s swinging-and-missing on pitches in the zone more.
In late May, Popkins said Guerrero was still searching for feel in the box, laying off bad pitches as he locks in on his full power swing. Compounding those missed in-zone opportunities with chases would earn Guerrero plenty of strikeouts. Instead, the Blue Jays batter has the lowest two-strike chase rate of his career and is following missed chances with walks.
If Guerrero gets some protection and finds his power stroke, the first baseman’s walk rate will likely fall — pitches will be mashed instead of taken for ball four. When he’s lacing those liners across the field, Guerrero is the type of hitter who can carry an offence for months, even years. If the increased zone control is permanent, his ceiling could push higher.
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“The maturity and the at-bat quality is pretty incredible,” Popkins said. “Considering he hasn’t locked it all in. The fact that he’s done that is showing you a kind of upside and potential, how good he is.”
Game notes and injury news
Bowden Francis allowed six earned runs in 1 2/3 innings of work as the Blue Jays’ five-game win streak came to a close Tuesday. … Addison Barger homered in his fourth straight game, becoming the first Blue Jays hitter to achieve the feat since Teoscar Hernández in August 2021. But Toronto fell 8-3 to the Philadelphia Phillies. … Before Tuesday’s defeat, Max Scherzer (right thumb inflammation) threw nearly 40 pitches in a live bullpen session. He will likely throw in a simulated game, or Florida Complex League contest Sunday, before beginning a formal rehab assignment. … Anthony Santander received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his left shoulder to speed up the recovery of his inflammation. He will be inactive for five to seven days before starting to ramp back up. … Reliever Nick Sandlin (right lat strain) also pitched a scoreless inning in the FCL as he works back to the Toronto bullpen.
(Photo: Kiyoshi Mio / Imagn Images)