Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is known for his great ability to hit the ball with great power and fans are wondering if they could see the Dominican represent their country in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Born in Montreal to then-Expos star Vladimir Sr., Guerrero Jr. claims Canadian and Dominican citizenship. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman finished sixth overall in Rookie of the Year voting in 2019. In 2021, he hit a league-best 42 home runs.
“Vladimir Guerrero Jr./Spencer Horwitz and bench coach Don Mattingly” – @ Hazel Mae
Despite being only 24 years old, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is being touted as the face of his team. The Blue Jays haven’t won a World Series title since 1993, and so far Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn’t managed to change that.
The 2023 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place between March 8 and 21 of this year. It’s the first tournament of its kind since 2017, when the Dominican Republic handled some heartbreaking late-round losses to Team USA and Team Puerto Rico. They must start their action against Venezuela on March 11 at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.
Guerrero did not appear for his country in 2017. In the fall of 2022, he announced that he would suit up for the Dominican Republic in their first World Baseball Classic tournament.
In early 2023, it was announced during Toronto Blue Jays spring training that Guerrero Jr. was suffering from temporary but debilitating knee inflammation, and days later, the player announced that he would miss the upcoming tournament.
“Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will no longer play in the World Baseball Classic due to his right knee injury. (via @longleysonsport)” – @ Fox Sports: MLB
Although Guerrero Jr’s absence will be missed, the Dominicans are lucky to have a plethora of highly-skilled bats on their team. Seattle Mariners rookie of the year Julio Rodriguez, San Diego Padres phenom Juan Soto and MVP runner-up Manny Machado are just a few of the names fans can expect to see play for their country.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s decision prioritizes the season
The Toronto Blue Jays once again find themselves in the most competitive division in baseball. As such, they will need all the support they can get. By not participating in the tournament, Guerrero Jr. makes it clear that he is more interested in being in top shape for Opening Day.