Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opens up about why he loves Canada

Whenever Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wraps up his MLB career, he’ll undoubtedly be a major part of Canadian sports history.

Born in Montreal while his Hall of Fame father was playing for the Expos, his 14-year, US$500-million contract with the franchise is the biggest in any sport by a Canadian-born athlete.

But while he spent most of his formative years growing up in the Dominican Republic, Guerrero spoke glowingly on Monday about the city he’s come to know since making his MLB debut in 2019.

“When the country gives you love, you gotta give the love back,” Guerrero Jr. said. “This is my second [home]… I’ve spent a lot of time here in Toronto.”

Guerrero also opened up about a conversation with his young daughter, which he admitted made them both teary-eyed.

“That moment was a little bit emotional for me… when I called her and told her we were going to spend 14 more years in Toronto… she started crying, she made me cry.”

Last week, Guerrero voiced a video put out by the Blue Jays when the contract became official that shared similar sentiments.

“This was always home. This is where I first fell in love with the game. Where my childhood dream got closer to reality,” Guerrero said in the video. “Where I learned how to be a pro. Where the dream of becoming a baseball player like my dad came true. From day one, you embraced me as one of yours. We have made memories together that I will remember forever.”

And with the deal being the largest the franchise has ever made to any individual, it’s clear Toronto’s front office feels similarly about his strong connection to the fanbase.

“Over the course of Vlad’s time with us, our fans have embraced the joy and the passion which he brings to the ballpark with him every single time he takes the field,” said Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro. “[This contract] impacts our team and cements a bond between our fans throughout the entire country.”

Guerrero plays his first home game since signing the new deal on Monday night, when the Blue Jays host the Atlanta Braves at 7:07 p.m.