When it rains, it pours for Blue Jays supporters.
In a season that appears to be getting worse by the day, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. revealed Monday that he would not mind playing for the rival New York Yankees.
This is a stunning reversal for the famous first baseman, who stated in 2022 that he would never play for the Bronx Bombers, even if he were “dead.”
Vladdy changed his mind about potentially wearing pinstripes in an interview with Spanish source Virus Deportivo before the Jays’ 7-6 loss to the Red Sox in Boston.
“I am a worker. When asked if he would play for the Yankees if traded, Guerrero responded, “I’m a professional.” “I go out on the field to play.”
He also retracted his previous remarks on the AL East leaders, who boast two of the game’s finest hitters, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
“I talked to my dad and my relatives. “Sometimes you say things that aren’t true,” Guerrero explained. “I didn’t hold back my opinions regarding the Yankees. But what I am saying is that the company understands me.
“I’m a player that the (Yankees) need, and anything they do is obviously because they need me. I’d be pleased to assist any team.”
Last year, Guerrero reiterated his refusal to play for the Yankees, citing his father’s Hall of Fame career and his desire to never play in the Big Apple.
Vladdy has also loved antagonizing the Bronx Bombers, shushing the Yankee Stadium crowd after a home run earlier this year when trailing 9-2.
With the Blue Jays lying last in the AL East at 35-43, 16 games behind the Yankees, and on a seven-game losing streak entering Tuesday’s action, it’s easy to see why Vladdy could have changed his mind.
Guerrero has provided a rare bright point for the club. He leads the squad in batting average, hits, OBP, and RBIs, with 10 home runs, one behind Daulton Varsho’s 11.
He also finished second in the American League’s all-star voting at first base. Last year, he won the home run derby held in Seattle.
The Yankees might also have a need at first base. Anthony Rizzo just fractured his arm, leaving a void in the lineup.
Guerrero is under team control until next season, which may make him appealing to playoff contenders like the Yankees while also bringing him a higher value for the Jays, as opposed to pending free agents who are seen as rentals.
With the July 30 trade deadline nearing and the Jays slipping further from relevance, trade rumours will flare up at Rogers Centre.
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