After months of intense competition and a relentless race for the pole position in both leagues, the All-Star break is finally here. It’s that time of the season when fans can momentarily pause the ranking stress, sit back, and relax in the spectacle that celebrates the very best the game has to offer. And what better way to light up than the ever-thrilling Home Run Derby?
Amid the fans’ anticipation to witness the slugging fireworks, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made a headline-grabbing decision. And it comes with a twist that connects directly to Ronald Acuna. Another layer of drama that you might not have seen coming.
“That’s (Ronald) Acuna’s show,” Guerrero said to Sportsnet’s host, Hazel Mae, after the Blue Jays’ win over the Red Sox on Friday. And here comes the breaking news: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has decided to sit out the 2025 Home Run Derby. But there’s more…
“He said he’s a lock when Toronto is awarded an All-Star Game,” Mae further added.
When I asked him why not:
“That’s (Ronald) Acuna’s show.”
He said he’s a lock when Toronto is awarded an All Star Game.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) June 28, 2025
But fans in Toronto shouldn’t worry. Because Guerrero made it clear that once the All-Star Game comes to his hometown, he’ll be back. For now, he referred to the derby as Acuna’s show. Because the event will be in Atlanta this time.
Meanwhile, we would surely miss those towering hits of Guerrero. He has a long history with the Home Run Derby. Incidentally, Guerrero became the youngest player to have played in the derby. He was 20 and was playing for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) when he participated in the 2019 Home Run Derby.
Remember how Guerrero lit up T-Mobile Park in Seattle back in 2023?
He dominated the derby that year by crushing 72 homers across three rounds. Also, he took down Mookie Betts, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena on his way to the crown. Apparently, Vladdy carries his own legacy when it comes to the Home Run Derby.
This time, he will surely be missed.
But fortunately, Guerrero is still very much in the All-Star spotlight. He has made it to Phase 2 of the fan ballot and will be battling Paul Goldschmidt for the starting first baseman spot in Atlanta!
Guerrero’s fireworks from the Jays’ batter’s box
While we might not see Guerrero in the upcoming Home Run Derby, there is no dearth of fireworks in the regular season.
The Blue Jays’ offense in 2025 continues to revolve around the bat of Vladimir Guerrero. He remains the heart and soul of their lineup. Currently hitting .284 with 11 HRs and 40 RBIs, this seems enough to tie with George Springer in leading the clubhouse.
You might as well compare Guerrero’s hitting with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. What sets Guerrero apart is not just his numbers, but the attention he commands from opposing pitchers. Vladdy’s presence in the middle forces teams to pitch carefully. This, in turn, opens up opportunities for hitters around him like Bo Bichette, Daulton Varsho, or George Springer.
So, for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., it’s all about the impact he is creating. For instance, in the last game against the Red Sox, Guerrero took a 96 mph fastball to the forearm. But he returned swiftly and made an immediate impact by scoring three runs.
For the fans who will miss Guerrero’s hits in the derby, you’ve got the remaining season to witness the spark. Even the All-Star game will be another chance to check him against the best pitchers of this season.
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