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Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends 'Personal' Message on Yankees Before ALDS

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 10:40 PM ET

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays are about to see action in the 2025 MLB postseason, now that they know who their opponent will be in the American League Division Series. The Blue Jays are scheduled for a best-of-five date against a very familiar foe, the New York Yankees, who pulled off a come-from-behind series win in the wild-card round versus the Boston Red Sox.

The series between these American League East rivals will begin this Sunday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, with Guerrero locked in on the challenge ahead.

Before the Yankees series, the superstar Blue Jays slugger was asked if there was an added drive for him to succeed in the ALDS, given that it's against New York.

Guerrero, however, downplayed it with an intriguing rebuttal.

"To any team, it's personal for me...same thing with all the teams," the 26-year-old first baseman said through an interpreter (h/t Yankees Videos).

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) embraces catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) who had just hit a grand slam home run.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Blue Jays barely edged New York for the AL East title. Both teams finished the regular season with a 94-68 record, but Toronto was crowned as the division's champion, as they went 8-5 in the regular season versus the Bronx Bombers. However, the Yankees have won the last two matchups against Toronto.

Guerrero played a significant role in the Blue Jays' success against the Yankees in the regular season. He went 19-for-51 in that matchup, while hitting two home runs, posting nine RBIs and drawing six walks. Overall, he slashed a healthy .373/.439/.569 against New York pitching. On the season, he hit .292/.381/.467 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs while posting a 133 OPS+.

A five-time MLB All-Star, Guerrero has added pressure on his shoulders, as Toronto is still missing the services of star shortstop Bo Bichette, who is not expected to be on the roster for Game 1 of the New York series. Bichette has not seen action since suffering a left knee injury during a Sept. 6 game against the Yankees.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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