Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes Career Announcement on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 1:36 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had an incredible start to his career in Major League Baseball. Through seven years in the majors, Guerrero has played 975 games, slashing .288/.366/.495 with an OPS of .861, totaling 183 home runs and 591 RBIs.

He has been selected to five All-Star Games, won two Silver Slugger Awards, one Gold Glove and was named the ALCS MVP last season.

In 2025, the 26-year-old slugger had another impressive season, batting .292 with an .848 OPS, 23 long balls and 84 runs driven in. While he played well in the regular season, his play in the postseason, helping the Blue Jays win an American League pennant, was unbelievable.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In 18 playoff games, Guerrero slashed an incredible .397/.494/.795 with a 1.289 OPS, hitting eight home runs, which set the Blue Jays record for the most in a single postseason, and he had 15 RBIs.

In the 2026 season, the hard-hitting first baseman will be entering the first year of a monstrous 14-year, $500 million extension he signed with Toronto last season.

Before he puts on the Blue Jays uniform again, though, he will be representing his home country. On Wednesday, Guerrero officially announced for the first time in a collaborative post on his Instagram that he will be joining the Dominican Republic team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

"Plakata will be played at the Classic ⚾️ @vladdyjr27 will debut in the #WorldBaseballClassic with the Dominican team ," the caption read.

View this post on Instagram

This was originally reported in December, but Wednesday was when the Dominican Baseball Federation made it official.

This will be the first time Guerrero suits up with his countrymen in a WBC, as the Dominican Republic will begin the tournament with a pool play matchup against Nicaragua on March 6 at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

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

More must-reads: