Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr is playing for Dominican Republic, not Canada, in WBC
vladimir guerrero jr, the Toronto Blue Jays first baseman, will wear Dominican Republic colors at the World Baseball Classic, a decision he says fulfills a promise from his father and comes as the tournament opens Thursday ET in Tokyo and other host cities. He announced his commitment while reporting to the Blue Jays’ Player Development Complex, saying he prepared intensely for both the WBC and spring training. The selection reflects family ties and the club-level impact of a dozen Blue Jays taking part in the international event.
Top facts: roster movement, position and timing
Guerrero is one of 12 players from the Blue Jays organization headed to the World Baseball Classic, including the club’s full major-league infield with him at first base for the Dominican Republic. The tournament begins Thursday ET, and Toronto faces the challenge of significant roster absences as players join their national camps. Manager John Schneider, Blue Jays manager, said the coaching staff spent the offseason planning individualized approaches to handle those departures: “We spent a lot of time in the off-season trying to figure out what’s right for everyone, ” he said.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr and the family promise
Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. never got to represent the Dominican Republic at the WBC after withdrawing from the inaugural 2006 tournament following a family tragedy. Guerrero Sr. told his son that he would get the chance to appear for their country this year. “That’s the main thing for me, that I want to be there so he can see me, ” said Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays first baseman, through Blue Jays translator Hector Lebron. “He can be there. He can see me play for the Dominicans. “
Who from Toronto is going — and what it means at camp
The Blue Jays contingent includes shortstops Andrés Giménez (Venezuela) and Leo Jiménez (Panama), utility man Ernie Clement (United States), catcher Alejandro Kirk (Mexico), third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (Japan) and pitcher Yariel Rodríguez (Cuba) among major-leaguers. Five minor-leaguers are also joining international rosters from the organization. Ernie Clement, utility player, Toronto Blue Jays, spoke of his own first-time WBC call: “It’s been a dream of mine, ever since I kept up with the old Olympic hockey, ” he said in the spring training clubhouse. The scale of departures prompted detailed planning by the Blue Jays’ staff as pitchers and position players reported to camp on Feb. 11 and Feb. 16 ET.
Quick context
The WBC has allowed players with multiple ties to choose their national teams; Guerrero was born in Canada and raised in the Dominican Republic. He missed the 2023 Classic because of injury and has said this opportunity carries personal and familial meaning.
What’s next — on-field and organizational follow-through
With the tournament starting Thursday ET, attention will split between international play and how Toronto manages roster gaps in spring training. Vladimir Guerrero Jr will be monitored for workload and readiness as he balances WBC play with Blue Jays preparations; the club’s individualized plans aim to keep players sharp while minimizing disruption. Expect updates on participation and conditioning as the WBC progresses and as the Blue Jays adjust camp plans in response to each player’s national-team schedule.
