Despite previously declaring his aversion to playing for the New York Yankees, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hinted at a possible change of heart as the Blue Jays face a difficult stretch and the trade deadline looms.
Nearly a year and a half ago, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made an emphatic statement: he would never don the pinstripes of the New York Yankees. The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. declared, "Not even [when I'm] dead" would he strike a deal to play for the Blue Jays' arch-rivals.
A few months later, he doubled down on his stance, stating that his aversion to the Yankees was "a personal thing" that "goes back with my family." However, with the Blue Jays languishing near the bottom of the AL East and the trade deadline approaching, rumors have swirled that the three-time All-Star may be reconsidering his position.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Opens Up to Yankees Possibility Amidst Blue Jays Struggles
On Monday at Fenway Park, Guerrero spoke candidly to a Spanish-language outlet about his perceived change of heart. "I'm a worker, professional, and I go out on the field and play... Sometimes you say things," he said. "It's not that I am trying to take back what I said about the Yankees, what do I say, I don't hold back what I said about the Yankees, but this is a business."
Guerrero went on to explain that after discussions with his father and family, he realized the business aspect of professional baseball. "Like I tell you, I'm a player, and if a team picks me or if they do something, it's because they need it, obviously, and I'll be happy to help any team. But right now, I'm just focused on helping my team try to get out of this bad streak."
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Opens Up to Yankees Possibility Amidst Blue Jays Struggles
The specific reason for Guerrero's previous animosity towards the Yankees remains unknown, but it is likely connected to his father's playing career. Vladimir Guerrero Sr. played for several teams, including the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles, but never the Yankees.
Guerrero and other Blue Jays have made no secret of their disdain for the Yankees. During a fan fest ahead of the 2023 season, Guerrero called the Yankees the "easiest" team to play against the previous season, despite New York winning 99 games and the division. In 2022, Alek Manoah accused Gerrit Cole of being the biggest cheater in baseball due to his alleged use of sticky stuff.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Opens Up to Yankees Possibility Amidst Blue Jays Struggles
Despite falling off from his stellar second-place MVP finish in 2021, Guerrero is still hitting a respectable .286 with a .796 OPS this season. His presence on the Yankees could provide a much-needed boost to their first baseman position, which has struggled mightily.
With the Blue Jays struggling at 35-43, it is possible that they may make significant moves ahead of the trade deadline. A trade involving Guerrero would be a blockbuster, but it could be a possibility if the Blue Jays continue to struggle and the Yankees remain interested in acquiring his services.
