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Seven Years Ago? Reflecting on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Career
TL;DR
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates the seven-year anniversary of his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. His journey has made him the face of the franchise.
Key points
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates seven years in MLB
- He is the face of the Toronto Blue Jays franchise
- The anniversary coincides with a game against the Cleveland Guardians
- Guerrero's journey has been marked by promise and potential
Toronto Blue JaysCleveland GuardiansVladimir Guerrero Jr.
On the 2026 calendar, Sunday's Toronto Blue Jays game against the Cleveland Guardians is just one of many early season contests that will probably be forgotten by the time we reach the conclusion of the 162-game grind.
But for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., it should represent much more than that, as it marks the seven-year anniversary of his major league debut.
It's been an incredible ride for Guerrero - and the Jays - as he's become the face of the franchise.
Let's take a quick look at how we got here:
The beginning: Promise, potential and pressure
If you go back and look at the 2019 MLB Pipeline prospect rankings, Guerrero is right at the top, listed ahead of eventual superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr. (2), Kyle Tucker (8), Jesus Luzardo (12) and MacKenzie Gore (15).
That ranking alone comes with a pressure that's hard to match, but when you factor in that he's the son of a Hall of Fame father, there's even more pressure there.
And Guerrero wasn't the only son of a Hall of Famer in the Blue Jays organization at that time. Bo Bichette, ranked No. 11 on that list, and Cavan Biggio, were supposed to be the young trio that the future Blue Jays core was built around.
In 123 games that year, Guerrero hit .272 with a .339 on-base percentage, pounding 15 homers and driving in 69.
2020: Uncertainty in the world, but playoff trip
The COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world landscape and limited the baseball season to just 60 games, but the young and aspiring Blue Jays reached the playoffs. Guerrero played in all 60 games, hitting .262 with nine homers, but the Blue Jays were swept in two games.
Q&A
What year did Vladimir Guerrero Jr. make his MLB debut?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his MLB debut seven years ago, which places it in 2016.
How has Vladimir Guerrero Jr. impacted the Toronto Blue Jays?
Guerrero Jr. has become the face of the franchise, significantly contributing to the team's identity and success.
What are some key milestones in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s career?
Key milestones include his debut in 2016, becoming an All-Star, and leading the team in various offensive categories.
What is the significance of the game against the Cleveland Guardians for Guerrero?
The game against the Cleveland Guardians marks the seven-year anniversary of Guerrero's major league debut, highlighting his growth and achievements.