Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Opens Up About Yankees Feud — And Why He’s Ready to Join the Bronx Bombers in Free Agency**
**Vladimir Guerrero Jr.** once harbored a childhood grudge against the **New York Yankees**, but as he approaches free agency, the **Toronto Blue Jays** superstar says he’s ready to leave the past behind. In a revealing interview with **Jon Heyman of The New York Post**, Guerrero shared the story that fueled his long-standing disdain for the Yankees—and why he’s now open to wearing pinstripes.
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### **The Childhood Incident That Sparked the Feud**
Guerrero’s animosity toward the Yankees dates back to his childhood, when he accompanied his father, **Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr.**, to the ballpark.
> ***“When I was a child with my dad, and like all players’ kids, I was in front of the dugout,”*** Guerrero recalled. ***“Somebody from the Yankees told my dad, ‘You gotta take your kid inside. You can’t be on the field.’ I felt bad. And it stayed with me.”***
Despite the lingering memory, Guerrero Sr. has encouraged his son to consider the Yankees when he hits free agency. Guerrero Jr. has taken that advice to heart, telling Heyman:
> ***“If I go to free agency, every team—all 30 teams—are going to have the opportunity to sit down with me, to talk to me. I’m OK with everything. It’s in the past.”***
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### **Why the Yankees Make Sense**
Guerrero’s newfound openness to the Yankees isn’t just about personal growth—it’s also a savvy financial move. The Yankees are known for driving up prices in bidding wars for superstars, as seen with **Juan Soto**.
– **Free Agency Countdown**: Guerrero set a **“report day” deadline** for the Blue Jays to negotiate an extension. When he arrived at **Spring Training 2025**, no deal had been reached, signaling his intent to test the open market.
– **Yankees’ Interest**: According to Heyman, the Yankees are among the **top three suitors** for Guerrero. Former Mets GM **Steve Phillips** even called them the **early front-runners**.
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### **Guerrero’s Elite Resume**
At just 26, Guerrero has already established himself as one of MLB’s premier power hitters:
– **Three-time All-Star** and **2023 Home Run Derby champion**.
– **2021 AL Home Run Leader**: Smashed 48 homers that season.
– **Career Stats**: Over six seasons with Toronto, he’s slashed **.288/.363/.500** with **160 home runs** and an **.863 OPS**.
While Guerrero has yet to lead the Blue Jays past the **Wild Card round**, his bat is a game-changer for any contender.
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### **The Future in Pinstripes?**
With free agency looming in 2026, Guerrero has opened the door to becoming the Yankees’ next **star first baseman**. Whether it’s in the Bronx or elsewhere, one thing is clear: Guerrero is ready to move past old grudges and focus on his legacy.
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**Final Thought**: Guerrero’s journey from childhood grudge to potential Yankees superstar is a testament to his growth—and a reminder that in baseball, even the fiercest rivalries can fade with time.
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