Blue Jays Manager Has Exceptionally High Praise for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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The Toronto Blue Jays have had an exceptional first half 2025 season after a slow start, with many of their key players performing at a high level that's been combined with some rotational pieces putting things together to push the team to an AL East lead.
A factor to their success has been the usual suspect, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is by far and away the face of the franchise.
The team decided he was worth a long-term investment when they handed him a 14-year, $500 million deal at the beginning of this season.
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That showed the faith both the front office and ownership group have placed in him to be their franchise player, and based on the career he's had, it is justified.
With some players receiving deals like this and struggling initially, others have been able to manage the expectations placed on their shoulders.
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Guerrero is in the latter camp, which caused his manager, John Schneider, to give him nothing but praise.
"Getting a franchise player and a homegrown player to grasp onto as an organization and a fanbase is such a good thing. Vladdy is everything you want in a player who’s going to be the face of your franchise going forward. He’s taken that ownership with the contract. I’ve watched him grow up in the game, and when you sign that deal, there’s certain expectations that come with that, and he knows that," Schneider said on MLB Network. "He’s responded well. You don’t get those contracts very often. It’s a really good thing for our fans, for one, and to have that stability in the middle of our lineup for a lot of years to come is great for this team."
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It was well known that the team has the utmost faith in Guerrero to be what they need each year, and that was why he was rewarded with his enormous extension.
But hearing the manager reaffirm it right after an All-Star nod must feel good for the player, as it confirms what he already knows: they believe in his abilities.
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Jeremy Trottier started his writing journey with WBLZ Media, and has worked through multiple publications with 247Sports, USA Today, Fansided, SBNation and others. He is an avid fan of motorsports and most sports in general, and has completed a degree in sports management to further understand the sports industry. During his time with sports media, he has been credentialed for coverage of Boston College sports, and can often be found attending their football and basketball games as well as expected coverage of their men’s soccer team in the near future. Sports are a large part of his life and career, as he looks to pursue a full time role within the industry someday.