Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Powers Blue Jays Past Yankees: Can Toronto Make a Run?

By Oliver Wiener July 02, 2025 05:43

The Toronto Blue Jays powered past the New York Yankees in a thrilling 6-4 victory on Tuesday night, fueled by a dominant performance from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who continues to solidify his status as one of baseball’s premier hitters. Guerrero’s bat was on full display, as he went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs, providing the offensive spark the Blue Jays need in their tight playoff race.

Guerrero’s first homer came in the third inning, a towering shot that gave Toronto an early lead, while his second, a two-run blast in the seventh, helped seal the win. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has been a hallmark of his 2025 campaign, where he is currently batting .312 with 28 home runs and 92 RBIs. This performance against the Yankees, a perennial powerhouse and division rival, sends a strong message that the Blue Jays are serious contenders in the American League East.

Manager Quin Snyder praised Guerrero’s leadership and impact after the game:

“Vlad’s presence in the lineup changes the dynamic for us. He’s not just a great hitter; he’s a competitor who raises the energy of the entire team.”

Toronto’s victory over the Yankees is part of a recent surge that has seen the Blue Jays win 17 of their last 26 games, improving their standing in the wild-card race. According to BetMGM, the Jays currently hold a -150 favorite status to make the playoffs and have shortened their World Series odds from +8000 at the start of the season to +3500, reflecting growing confidence in their postseason potential.

Despite trailing the Yankees by three games in the division, the Blue Jays remain firmly in the mix, with a 52.4% implied probability to reach the playoffs as per OntarioBets. Their offense, led by Guerrero and supported by players like Bo Bichette and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., boasts a June wRC+ of 110, indicating above-average run production.

However, challenges remain. Toronto’s bullpen has been inconsistent, often putting extra pressure on the starters and offense to maintain leads. The team’s run differential remains slightly negative, a sign that while they can score, they must tighten up defensively and on the mound to sustain a deep playoff push.

Blue Jays general manager Sam Presti has acknowledged the need for roster adjustments before the trade deadline:

“We’re exploring options to bolster the bullpen and add another reliable bat. Our goal is to build a roster capable of competing deep into October.”

The upcoming schedule will test Toronto’s resilience, with tough series against division rivals Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox on the horizon. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, making every game critical.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s electrifying performance against the Yankees underscores his role as the driving force behind the Blue Jays’ playoff hopes. With the team surging at the right time and a solid core of talent, Toronto has a legitimate chance to make a run in 2025. The key will be maintaining offensive consistency while shoring up pitching weaknesses. If they can do that, the Blue Jays could be a formidable force in the postseason.