Guerrero Jr. and the Yankees: A Notable Rivalry

In Toronto, it’s well-known that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t fond of the Yankees. He’s even stated he’d never consider playing for them. One could argue that if he ever got a $500 million contract, it would solidify his loyalty to the Blue Jays for life.

Guerrero has his reasons. The Yankees previously chose a contract with his father and opted for Gary Sheffield instead. Plus, there’s a story from his youth where he had to ask someone from the Yankees to take him off the field before a game.

It does make you wonder, though: Is it just coincidence that a player with a career OPS of .861 has a much higher .918 OPS against the Yankees?

This season, Guerrero has been particularly impressive against them, boasting a 1.007 OPS along with two home runs, four doubles, and nine RBIs across 13 games.

When asked about his success against the Yankees, Guerrero simply shrugged.

“What I’m doing well with them just happens,” he replied through an interpreter during practice on Friday.

So does he consider games against the Yankees personal?

“For any team, it’s personal,” Guerrero stated.

But, to be fair, he’s also been dominating other teams.

It seems either he’s exceptionally skilled or has a particular grudge, and figuring that out will be crucial for Lewis Gill and his team as they gear up for the ALDS at Rogers Center on Saturday.

Against the Yankees’ Game 1 starting pitcher, Guerrero has faced him 11 times, reaching base six times with a staggering 1.351 OPS.

“I’m trying to simplify it,” Gill said, addressing the challenge of pitching to Guerrero. “I focus on what I want to do, regardless of who’s at bat.”

Despite his past success, Guerrero hasn’t yet translated his dominance over the Yankees into postseason victories, where he and his team have yet to secure a win.

In recent games against the Rays, Mariners, and Twins, he recorded only three hits in 22 at-bats without a single home run.

The Blue Jays secured Guerrero’s services for an impressive 14-year deal back in April this year.

Will October be the month that showcases Guerrero’s true excellence?

“I want him to play freely,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “I don’t want him to feel pressured because he’s the face of the team. He needs to just focus on the task at hand.”

“If he does that, I believe he’ll find himself in big moments,” Schneider added.