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In what could mark a new era for the Toronto Blue Jays, head coach John Schneider has confirmed that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will take on a larger leadership role heading into the 2026 MLB season. Schneider praised Guerrero’s relentless work ethic, maturity, and commitment to the team’s success, saying that his growth both on and off the field has been “impossible to ignore.”
> “Vlad’s not just one of our best hitters — he’s becoming one of our most respected voices,” Schneider told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “The way he’s handled himself, pushed his teammates, and continued to evolve, it’s clear he’s ready to be the guy in this clubhouse.”
Guerrero Jr., 26, has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays organization since his breakout 2021 season, when he led the American League in home runs and nearly captured MVP honors. Over the years, his game has matured beyond the batter’s box — embracing defensive challenges at first base and taking younger players under his wing.
According to sources close to the team, Schneider plans to name Guerrero the new clubhouse captain — a rare honor in Major League Baseball and one that hasn’t been officially bestowed in Toronto since the days of veterans like Roy Halladay and Vernon Wells.
> “It’s more than a title,” Schneider added. “It’s about responsibility, about setting the standard for everyone who wears the Blue Jays uniform. Vlad’s earned that.”
Guerrero responded with characteristic humility, emphasizing that the focus remains on bringing a championship back to Toronto.
> “I’m honored,” Guerrero said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the team. We’ve got one goal — to win.”
With Guerrero stepping into a new leadership role and a talented young roster surrounding him, optimism is high in Toronto that the Blue Jays are ready to make another deep postseason run — this time with their franchise cornerstone leading the way, both in the lineup and
in the locker room.
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