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 player currently playing as a first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays in MLB. He debuted in 2019 and is known for his right-handed batting and throwing. As the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., he carries a strong baseball legacy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2, 2015: Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays

On July 2, 2015, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for $3.9 million at the age of 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: First professional season

In 2016, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played 62 games, hitting .271 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs.

2017: Continued development in the minor leagues

In 2017, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played with the Lansing Lugnuts and Dunedin Blue Jays, earning Midwest League All-Star and All-Star Futures Game honors, finishing the season with a .323 batting average, 13 home runs and 76 RBIs.

2018: Rise through the Minor Leagues

In 2018, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Buffalo Bisons, showcasing exceptional batting skills and earning Eastern League's Player of the Month. He was later added to the Arizona Fall League roster.

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: MLB Season and Home Run Derby

In 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a successful season, batting .272 with 15 home runs. He also broke the single round home run record in the Home Run Derby with a total of 40 home runs.

2019: MLB debut

In 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.

2020: Shift to First Base and Shortened Season

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was delayed. On July 10, it was announced that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would shift primarily to playing first base. He played in all 60 games and batted .262 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs.

April 27, 2021: First three-homer game

On April 27, 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had his first career three-homer game, including a grand slam, and 7 RBI.

2021: Statistical Achievements and Awards

In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finished the season with significant stats, tying for the major league lead in home runs, leading in runs scored and total bases. He won the American League Hank Aaron Award and the Tip O'Neill Award.

2021: All-Star Game 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 his first All-Star Game in 2021, during which he won the MVP award, and finished second in AL MVP votes.

2021: Primary First Baseman

In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opened the season as the Blue Jays primary first baseman.

2021: All-Star Game MVP

In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was named the starting first baseman for the American League in the All-Star Game, hitting the 200th home run in All-Star Game history and becoming the game's Most Valuable Player.

March 22, 2022: Contract Signed

On March 22, 2022, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $7.9 million contract with the Blue Jays.

2022: Season Performance

In 2022, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the major leagues in double plays grounded into. He batted .274 with 32 home runs and 97 RBIs.

January 2023: Brother Pablo signs with Texas Rangers

In January 2023, Guerrero's brother, Pablo, signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent.

2023: High Salary

On January 9, 2025, Guerrero and the Blue Jays avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $28.5 million salary, the third-highest salary paid to an arbitration-eligible player in league history, behind only Shohei Ohtani in 2023.

January 2024: Half-brother Vladi Miguel signs with New York Mets

In January 2024, Vladi Miguel Guerrero, Guerrero's half-brother, signed with the New York Mets.

January 30, 2024: Guerrero named cover athlete of MLB The Show 24

On January 30, 2024, Guerrero was announced as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 24, making him and his father the first father-son duo to each be on the cover of an MLB video game.

2024: Salary Arbitration

In 2024, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s salary was set at $19.9 million, a record amount determined by the salary arbitration process.

2024: High Salary

January 9, 2025: Agreed to Salary

On January 9, 2025, Vladimir Guerrero and the Blue Jays agreed to a $28.5 million salary, avoiding arbitration.

2025: Free agency consideration

In 2019, concerns arose as to whether keeping Guerrero in the minor leagues for the first two weeks of the season would prevent him from reaching free agency until after the 2025 season.