Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been one of the most talked-about young players in Major League Baseball since his debut in 2019. As the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., expectations for the young slugger were high. And so far, he has lived up to the hype. But there’s one thing that has always stood out about the Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman – his dislike for the New York Yankees.
In the past, Guerrero Jr. has been vocal about his hatred towards the Yankees. He has been quoted saying that he would never play for them and that they were his least favorite team. These statements came as a surprise to many, especially considering the historic rivalry between the Blue Jays and the Yankees. But Guerrero Jr. seemed to have a genuine disdain for the Bronx Bombers.
However, recent events suggest that Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s sentiments towards the Yankees may have changed. During the 2021 All-Star Game, Guerrero Jr. was seen laughing and joking around with Yankees players, including Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole. This caught the attention of many fans and media outlets, leading to the question – has Guerrero Jr. had a change of heart towards the Yankees?
It’s not uncommon for players to develop friendships with opponents, especially during All-Star events where players from different teams come together. But for Guerrero Jr., this seems like more than just a temporary bond. He even posted a photo on his social media accounts with the caption “Friendship above all.”
So what could have caused this change in attitude towards the Yankees? One possible reason is that Guerrero Jr. has grown and matured as a player and a person. When he first entered the league, he was just 20 years old and may have been influenced by his father’s past experiences with the Yankees. But now, at the age of 22, he may have realized the importance of having a positive attitude towards all teams, including the Yankees.
Another factor could be the Yankees’ recent struggles. While they are still a formidable team, they have not been as dominant as they have been in the past. This could have made Guerrero Jr. see them in a different light, realizing that they are not invincible and can be friendly competitors.
But perhaps the most significant reason for Guerrero Jr.’s change of heart is his own personal growth and success. In just his third season in the league, he has already established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. He is a two-time All-Star, and this year, he participated in the Home Run Derby, where he put on a show and garnered more attention and respect from fans and players alike. With his own achievements, Guerrero Jr. may have realized that it’s unnecessary to hold grudges towards other teams and players.
Despite this apparent change in attitude, it’s essential to note that Guerrero Jr. still has a fierce competitive spirit. He is determined to help the Blue Jays win and become a top player in the league. But he may have realized that this can be achieved without harboring negative feelings towards the Yankees.
Some may argue that Guerrero Jr.’s change of heart is simply for show, and that deep down, he still despises the Yankees. But his interactions and friendships with Yankees players seem genuine and authentic. And ultimately, it doesn’t matter if it’s genuine or not. What matters is that it’s a positive change and a sign of growth for the young star.
In conclusion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s sentiments towards the New York Yankees have seemingly changed. While he may have once expressed hatred towards the team, recent events suggest that he has a more positive attitude towards them. Whether it’s due to his personal growth, the Yankees’ struggles, or simply a newfound respect for his opponents, it’s a welcome change that shows Guerrero Jr. is evolving as a player and a person. And as fans, we can all appreciate and support that.
