Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends Message After Blue Jays' MLB Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 6:02 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays had an eventful offseason following last year’s World Series loss. Despite the disappointing finish, the organization’s outlook has shifted as the club looks to build on that momentum and solidify itself as a long‑term contender in the American League.

That process began with a major splash, signing right‑hander Dylan Cease to a seven‑year, $210 million deal to become the team’s ace. Toronto followed that move by adding Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto and reliever Tyler Rogers, strengthening both the lineup and bullpen.

The Blue Jays were widely viewed as one of the biggest winners of the offseason, even after losing homegrown All‑Star Bo Bichette, who departed in free agency to join the New York Mets.

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

The hope remains that the offense is deep enough to withstand that loss, especially with superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchoring the lineup. Guerrero himself is energized by the team’s additions and made that clear at spring training with a message.

“We acquired new players, great players. I think this is going to be more fun. I’m actually happier than last year. For whatever reason, I’m happier and feeling great. I have good feelings about this year,” Guerrero said, via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.

His comments reflect the broader mood around camp, where the mix of players stars and new talent has created a sense of renewed confidence.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (via interpreter):

“We acquired new players, great players. I think this is going to be more fun. I’m actually happier than last year. For whatever reason, I’m happier and feeling great. I have good feelings about this year." #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 16, 2026

Guerrero will eventually leave camp to report to the World Baseball Classic, where he will suit up for the Dominican Republic, but his focus right now is clearly on the Blue Jays and the expectations that come with being the face of the franchise.

This spring also marks his first full camp with long‑term security after Toronto signed him to a 14‑year, $500 million extension last April, the largest contract in team history. The investment reflects exactly who Guerrero has become: a five‑time All‑Star, Gold Glove winner and two‑time Silver Slugger who dominated last postseason while leading Toronto to the World Series.

He is coming off a strong 2025 regular season as well, hitting .292 with a .381 on‑base percentage, .848 OPS, 23 home runs and 84 RBIs across 156 games.

With his prime years still ahead of him, Guerrero will have plenty of opportunities to chase the championship he hopes to bring back to Toronto.

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

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