For years, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his stance crystal clear: he would never play for the New York Yankees. It wasn’t just a preference—it was practically a vow. Yankee Stadium might have been his playground, but only as an opponent, where he relished punishing their pitching staff. Now, in a shocking turn of events, Guerrero Jr. has walked back that declaration, opening the door to the Bronx as his free agency looms after the 2025 season.

“I’ll speak to every team, including the Yankees,” Guerrero told the Fireside Yankees through an interpreter as per their recent X post. He also confirmed this in other interviews. “If I go to free agency, every team—all 30 teams—are going to have the opportunity to sit down with me, to talk to me,” Guerrero said to the New York Post. “I’m OK with everything. It’s in the past.” 

That’s a stunning reversal from his infamous 2022 statement: “I would never sign with the Yankees, not even dead.” It was personal, stemming from his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., feeling disrespected by the organization back in 2003 when he was a free agent. The younger Guerrero carried that grudge proudly—until now.

It’s no secret that the Toronto Blue Jays and Guerrero Jr. have been on rocky terms regarding a long-term extension. Despite being the face of the franchise, Toronto has yet to lock him up, allowing tension to build. Now, with his possible free agency just a season away, Guerrero Jr. is sending a clear message: he’s open for business, and the Yankees—his former sworn enemy—are officially in the play.

New York, always in the mix for superstar talent, will undoubtedly take notice. Even though they missed out on major players like Juan Soto’s long-term services, Guerrero Jr. could be their next target. The Yankees have a history of turning past villains into franchise cornerstones—just ask Johnny Damon.

If Toronto doesn’t act fast, they could watch their franchise player walk away—potentially right into the arms of their AL East rivals. The Yankees haven’t made a move yet, but one thing is certain: the battle for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is just beginning, and the Blue Jays are officially on notice.

Toronto’s worst-case scenario – losing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to their biggest rival

Picture this scenario; It’s the start of the 2027 baseball season, at Yankee Stadium, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. typically seen in Blue Jays gear is now wearing a Yankees uniform. As he approaches the plate to bat amidst a roar of cheers from the crowd of the anticipated fans. For seasons on end, Guerrero Jr. had been a nightmare for New York, as Toronto’s standout power hitter sending balls soaring over the Bronx night.

Now, he’s their newest superstar, and the Blue Jays are left wondering how they let it happen. For Toronto fans, this wouldn’t just be another free-agent loss—it would be the betrayal, a gut punch that shifts the balance of power in the AL East for years to come.

If Guerrero Jr. walks, especially to the Yankees, the ripple effects would be disastrous. The Blue Jays lose their face of the franchise, their biggest box-office draw, and one of the most feared hitters in the game—all while strengthening their biggest rival. Toronto, already struggling to keep pace in a loaded division, would be forced into a painful reset. Meanwhile, in New York, Guerrero would step into a lineup built to contend for championships, adding fuel to a rivalry that just turned personal.

The question now isn’t just if the Blue Jays will make a move, it’s whether they can afford to risk their worst-case scenario becoming reality.