MLB insider says Vladdy will be a man on a mission for the Blue Jays in 2026

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn't take kindly to the Toronto Blue Jays' Game 7 loss in the World Series. The 2025 postseason was on the way to putting Vladdy on the map as one of the league's top stars, and while he convinced most of the world, becoming a champion would've been the deciding factor that swayed everyone else. By all accounts, Guerrero Jr. is ready to convince the remaining doubters during the 2026 season, according to Ken Rosenthal via the Foul Territory show.

There aren't many media members who saw Vladdy closer than Rosenthal during last year's postseason. He was the team's emotional leader in the clubhouse and then backed it up on the field with some clutch moments. While some Blue Jays fans were growing impatient heading into the 2025 season, Vladdy did the impossible and made the postseason run worth the wait.

Vladdy's mindset will be massive heading into 2026 Blue Jays' season

"Vlad Guerrero Jr., he always looks good... That man is motivated. That man, as we saw in the postseason, the entire world got a glimpse of what Toronto fans already knew. He is not just a hitter. He is not just a power hitter... He is an above-average defender at first base, and he is an excellent baserunner, as well. Vlad Guerrero Jr., expecting big things out of him this year, expecting big things as well out of the Blue Jays," says Rosenthal.

Obviously, it could've ended with a better result. However, if the heartbreaking loss was what Guerrero Jr. needed to take the final step in his development, Toronto should be ready for what could be his greatest season yet. Rosenthal seems to think so.

The regular season wasn't kind to Guerrero Jr. in 2025, but he salvaged his season with his postseason run. Vladdy attributed it to a change in his mindset before the playoffs began, which was another feather in the cap of hitting coach David Popkins.

"In the playoffs, everytime I [went] to the plate, I looked for damage," Guerrero Jr. told MLB Network. "In the season, [I just] tried to take the ball the other way. Now, [Popkins] tells me, let's do the same, let's go to home plate and do damage."

Apparently, telling Vladdy to go to the plate and do damage was the simplest thing any of his hitting coaches could've done during his career. He hit an astonishing .397 with eight home runs and 15 RBI.

No one is expecting Guerrero Jr. to become a .400 hitter this season, but if he can come to the plate and look like the player he was during the playoffs more consistently, it could be a massive season for the team and individual. It seems like he already has the motivation and the mindset; now he just needs to perform.