The World Baseball Classic is already producing fireworks, and Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is right in the middle of the action.
Mar 8, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) returns to the dugout against the Netherlands during the third inning at loanDepot Park. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
While Major League teams continue preparing for the 2026 season during spring training, players across the league are representing their home countries in one of baseball’s most exciting international tournaments.
For the Dominican Republic, Guerrero has quickly become one of the biggest reasons the team is off to such a powerful start.
Dominican Republic opens WBC with dominant wins
Mar 8, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Netherlands during the third inning at loanDepot Park. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dominican Republic has opened the tournament with two convincing victories, showcasing both their offensive firepower and lineup depth.
They began the event with a 12–3 win over Nicaragua, followed by an even more dominant 12–1 victory against the Netherlands.
Now sitting comfortably at 2–0 in Pool D, the Dominican squad will next face Israel as they continue their push toward the knockout stage.
Guerrero has played a major role in those early wins.
Guerrero delivers big moment against Netherlands
Feb 21, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) smiles against the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
In the Dominican Republic’s matchup against the Netherlands, Guerrero delivered one of the biggest swings of the tournament so far.
With the game still competitive at 2–1, Guerrero stepped to the plate with Ketel Marte on base and launched a 380-foot two-run home run into left field. The blast instantly shifted momentum and opened the door for the Dominican offense to take over the game.
From there, the lineup exploded, turning a close contest into a comfortable victory.
Guerrero finished the game with multiple hits, three RBIs, and a run scored, continuing the strong start he showed in the tournament opener.
Across the Dominican Republic’s first two games, the Blue Jays first baseman has consistently delivered timely offense while anchoring the heart of the lineup.
Carrying momentum from spring training
Guerrero’s hot start in the WBC comes after a promising showing during Blue Jays spring training.
The 27-year-old has appeared in several early exhibition games and has already shown strong plate discipline. In limited action, Guerrero recorded three hits and three walks, posting a .333 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage.
While the sample size is small, it’s clear that any offseason rust hasn’t followed him into 2026.
Toronto’s success still revolves around Guerrero
Guerrero remains the centerpiece of the Blue Jays’ lineup heading into the new season.
Last year, his offensive production played a major role in helping Toronto capture the American League East title and reach the World Series. Without his bat in the middle of the order, that postseason run likely never happens.
As the Blue Jays prepare for another championship push in 2026, Guerrero’s performance will once again be critical.
For now, though, he’s focused on helping his home country chase international gold — and if his early performances are any indication, the Dominican Republic will be one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
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