Soon, we will hear Guerrero on what this moment means for him, his family and the inheritance he hopes to build in Toronto.
First of all, let’s listen to the people closest to him, the people who share the clubhouse with him every day and looked at everything that is happening in this moment:
BO BICHETTE (teammate since 2017 in Single-A Lansing):
“I knew it was going to happen in recent days, but I’m proud of him. I am excited for him. This is why we work so hard.
“I know it is important for him to be with this team for a long time. I know that it is also important for the organization, but just to see him get what he wanted and be happy, it is special for everyone in the clubhouse. ”
So is the next dinner on Vlady?
George Springer, former owner of the biggest Blue Jays History contract (6, $ 150 million):
“It’s exciting. This shows the organization’s commitment to not only as a player, but also the commitment of the organization towards the team, the city and the country. I have the impression that it is a very exciting day for Blue Jays fans as a whole, to have a guy like Vlady who will be here for what looks like a day.
“He is only 26 years old, which is crazy. I don’t want to say that he is more mature, but he is additional Mature for his age, not only as a player, but as a person. He is a great human being. He’s such a fun guy to be there and so humble. I am so happy for him.
Springer almost sounded Vlady’s bell at the top of the third round of the 6-2 Monday victory in Fenway Park, however, when he tore a third base line with Guerrero a few meters from the bag. Fortunately, Guerrero dodged himself under the ball, lived to tell the story and suggested that Springer hit the balloon fair next time. He soon did it, marking Guerrero for the second round of the match.
Andrés Giménez, new teammate but long -standing competitor from Guerrero:
“It means a lot. It makes everyone happy. It’s special for me. It was a long road for us. We used to test together in 2015. Seeing how everything is going on a period of 10 years is crazy. Playing with him is incredible.”
Giménez often went to the Dominican Republic in 2014-2015, because the two were only adolescents, presenting their talent for the MLB teams. They also contributed to minor leagues, crossing their careers. So, is Vlady different from what he was at 14?
“No. It’s the same guy. He’s just rich now.”
Max Scherzer, 18 -year -old MLB veteran:
“Wow. It’s great. As a teammate, it’s great, especially for the organization. You have just solidified your organization and you know who plays first for the next 14 years. This solves so many different pieces during this year, next year and the years to follow. Let’s go to the players with whom they want to do it. »»
Scherzer was there and faced the best strikers of this generation. What does he see, in Guerrero who is worth him?
“His primer is still in front of him. It can always improve. It can always evolve and push its ups even higher. This is something that I always say to the guys who come over the years. You are not a finished product. Simply because you are in fifth year or sixth year, no, you should be better. You have to do more things and understand the game better.
“I played with some of the best players of all time, especially Miguel Cabrera. I watched him improve. I watched him win a MVP and come back better. I always hold people at a high level. I don’t care about your good. I’m going better. I played with the best and I watched them improve.”
José Berríos, teammate since 2021:
“I am happy. I am excited. I know it is too, but for me, the first day I arrived here, I saw his personality and his talent. He is incredible. It is a special talent. I think he was born to play this game. Now he has this blessing, 14 years old and this amount of money.
“I know I have this year and three others, I think, so I hope I can extend my career here to continue playing next to him and try to bring a Toronto trophy.”
Jeff Hoffman, the new closer to Blue Jays:
“Just in the short time I know him, he everything has stood out for the type of person, the type of talent he is. The game rewards guys like that, especially when he does it at such a young age and this immediate impact. It is the face of the franchise, or one of the faces of the franchise. It’s great for him and great for his family.
“The fact that they participated in all these high -level free agents each year, it says a lot. Even if you do not get them, that says a lot about your priorities. I feel good to play for management and property that is like that.”
Bowden Francis, teammate since 2022:
“It’s just special. This is something that players dream of, to hear figures like that. So that he takes care of his family and so that the organization believes in him like that, it is warming.
“It is an honor for them to do this contract like that. To make our organization put it on the front line and build the team around it, it’s quite special. ”
Francis has reached an important point here. There is a big difference between being the best player on the list and the face of the franchise.
“With a contract like this, you are not only paying for the field, you pay for the field, paying someone to take control of the team for the next decade, to hold the clubhouse and create a culture. It will be its domain. It will open the way for young guys to come for the next 14 years.”
John Schneider, director and coach since 2017:
By relying on what Francis has spoken, Schneider has recognized the level of increased responsibility which is now based on Vlady. The two have come closer in the past decade, not only as competitors, but as people. Schneider saw Guerrero go from a teenager to a man, a father and a big star of the league. Now he will be there while Guerrero is entirely in a different world.
“There are certain responsibilities that come there. example.”
Alex Cora, director of Red Sox:
“If it’s true, great for him. He had a whole country behind this contract. I think it’s good for the franchise. It’s good for baseball. The guy is also unique in what he does, and he likes the game. You have seen him play, and he is incredible. Yes, if that happens, good for him.”
