Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Trade Rumors Explode: How a Blockbuster Deal Could Reshape the Blue Jays and the 2025 MLB Season

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. chose the perfect moment to remind baseball of his superstar pedigree. The Toronto Blue Jays slugger crushed a Statcast-projected 359-foot homer in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at T-Mobile Park, his fifth long ball of the 2025 postseason—surpassing José Bautista for the most by any Blue Jay in a single playoff run. The blast punctuated Toronto’s 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners, knotting the series at two games apiece and flipping momentum back to Canada. Five months ago, Toronto locked up its franchise cornerstone with a record-shattering 14-year, $500 million extension, eliminating free-agency distractions and signalling an all-in push for the club’s first World Series berth since 1993. Guerrero has rewarded that faith, batting .469 (15-for-32) this postseason with a 1.453 OPS, numbers that slot him alongside October legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Carlos Beltrán. Hot bats tend to be contagious, and Toronto’s lineup has followed Vlad Jr.’s lead. No. 9 hitter Andrés Giménez delivered his second game-turning homer in as many nights, while utility stalwart Isiah Kiner-Falefa and breakout infielder Ernie Clement kept the pressure on Seattle’s pitching staff. Yet it is Guerrero’s thunder that changes series narratives. After starting the ALCS 0-for-7, he’s 6-for-9 with two homers and four RBIs, forcing Mariners manager Scott Servais to rethink late-inning matchups. Beyond the box score, Guerrero’s surge is rewriting Blue Jays history books. He is now one hit shy of tying Paul Molitor’s franchise mark for postseason knocks (16) and on pace to challenge Carlos Beltrán’s all-time single-postseason slugging record (.957). If Toronto completes the comeback, he’ll be the odds-on favourite for ALCS MVP—an accolade that would add to a 2025 résumé already featuring a fifth All-Star selection and a 6.2-WAR regular season. Game 5 looms tonight in Seattle, with veteran ace Max Scherzer taking the hill against rookie flamethrower Bryce Miller. The Mariners will deploy left-handed relief early in hopes of neutralising Guerrero’s pull power, but the 26-year-old has punished southpaws (.988 OPS) all year. One more swing, and the Blue Jays could fly home needing just one win at raucous Rogers Centre to clinch their first pennant in 32 years. Key takeaways for fans and fantasy managers alike: • Guerrero is seeing 4.19 pitches per plate appearance in the ALCS, a career postseason high—evidence of his evolving patience. • His average exit velocity this series sits at 94.7 mph, up nearly three ticks from the regular season. • Toronto is 46-8 this year when Guerrero homers, including a perfect 5-0 in October. The stage is set: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is healthy, locked in, and chasing both a ring and franchise folklore. Opposing pitchers, beware—Vladdy’s October encore has only just begun.