Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Discover the career path of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a Canadian-Dominican professional baseball first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. He debuted in MLB in 2019. The right-handed batter and thrower is the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
2007: Vladimir Guerrero Sr.'s Home Run Derby Win
In 2007, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. won the MLB Home Run Derby.
July 2, 2015: Signed with Toronto
On July 2, 2015, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for $3.9 million at age 16.
2015: Signed by the Blue Jays
In 2015, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent.
2016: Professional Debut and All-Star Selection
In 2016, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his professional debut with the Bluefield Blue Jays, hit his first home run, recorded a multi-home run game, and was named the Appalachian League's All-Star at third base.
2017: Minor League Season and Prospect of the Year
In 2017, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played for the Lansing Lugnuts and Dunedin Blue Jays, was named a Midwest League All-Star, played in the All-Star Futures Game, helped Dunedin reach the playoffs, and was named ESPN's Prospect of the Year.
2018: Double-A and Triple-A Seasons
In 2018, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. started the season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, led the Eastern League in batting average and RBIs, was named Eastern League's Player of the Month, suffered a knee injury, and was promoted to the Buffalo Bisons.
April 24, 2019: Call-Up Announcement
On April 24, 2019, the Blue Jays announced that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would be called up from Triple-A Buffalo on April 26.
2019: First MLB Home Run and Player of the Week Award
In 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first major league home run, became the youngest Blue Jay to hit a home run, won the American League Player of the Week Award, and set records in the Home Run Derby. He batted .272 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI.
2019: MLB Debut
In 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his Major League Baseball debut.
2019: Home Run Derby Records
In 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set records for most home runs in a single round (29) and most home runs in a single derby (91).
2020: Shift to First Base and Shortened Season
In 2020, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shifted primarily to playing first base and played in all 60 games of the shortened season, batting .262 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs.
April 27, 2021: Three-Homer Game
On April 27, 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had his first career three-homer game, including a grand slam, and 7 RBIs.
2021: Primary First Baseman
In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began the MLB season as the Blue Jays primary first baseman.
2021: All-Star MVP and Home Run Leader
In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the major leagues in home runs, runs scored, and total bases. He was voted to the AL All-Star roster and named MVP, while also finishing second in AL MVP votes for the season.
2021: Awards and Season Stats
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finished the 2021 season batting .311/.401/.601 and tied the major league lead in home runs with 48, led in runs scored with 123, and led the majors in total bases with 363. He won the American League Hank Aaron Award & the Tip O'Neill Award, but finished second in American League MVP voting.
March 22, 2022: Contract Signed
On March 22, 2022, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $7.9 million contract with the Blue Jays, avoiding salary arbitration.
July 10, 2023: Home Run Derby Win
On July 10, 2023, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the MLB Home Run Derby in Seattle, becoming part of the first father-son duo to win the Derby.
2024: Salary Arbitration
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s salary for the 2024 season was set at $19.9 million, a record amount determined by the salary arbitration process.
2025: Free Agency Year
In 2019, there were questions about the Blue Jays manipulating Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s MLB service time, which could prevent him from reaching free agency until after the 2025 season.
