Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ends Home Run Drought in ALDS Opener Against Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke a 21-game home run drought with a first-inning blast against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Toronto. The homer gave the Blue Jays an early lead in the crucial playoff matchup.
Guerrero's Early Offense
Facing Yankees starter Luis Gil with a 2-1 count, Guerrero Jr. forced a changeup. He capitalized on the 90mph pitch, launching a towering home run into the left field seats to put Toronto ahead. This marked a significant moment for Guerrero, ending a period of offensive struggles.
Breaking the Slump
Prior to this game, Guerrero's last home run occurred on Sept. 5 in a 7-1 victory, also against the Yankees in New York. Since that game, the five-time All-Star had managed only three extra-base hits across 86 plate appearances over the span of 21 games. This ALDS home run offered a fresh start for the struggling slugger.
Manager's Perspective on Guerrero's Frustration
Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged Guerrero's frustration during a losing streak on Sept. 24. This came after Guerrero's ejection for arguing balls and strikes. Schneider emphasized the team's offensive struggles, stating, "We’re losing because we’re not scoring enough runs." He supported his star player while also acknowledging the need for the team to perform better as a whole. Schneider added, "It’s Vlad. He’s our guy, and I want to defend him, but I don’t want to feed into the narrative that the umpires are screwing us, because we’re not scoring enough runs."
Postseason Performance and Outlook
Guerrero’s early homer suggests a turnaround in his postseason performance. Prior to the game, he had only a .136 batting average (3-for-22) in six career postseason games, with one double and one RBI. This home run signifies a much stronger start to his 2025 postseason campaign and provided a much needed boost for the Blue Jays.
