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New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly claims Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has grown into a true clubhouse voice for the Toronto Blue Jays. Mattingly suggests Guerrero has evolved from a young phenom to a star who understands his responsibility and impact on the Blue Jays.
Mattingly, who played for the Yankees from 1982 to 1995, was a six-time All-Star and the American League MVP in 1985. He served as the Blue Jays' bench coach during their AL pennant run in 2025.
The 64-year-old MLB legend shares his thoughts about Guerrero's leadership qualities on Monday's episode of "The Show," hosted by insider Jon Heyman and special guest Sean Casey.
"Vlad is an incredible player," Mattingly said (Timestamp: 22:22). "He's taking, he's become more and more of a leader. He started last year before last season. You could see him starting to speak up, understand his role and his importance within that group, and needed to use his voice. He started doing that a little bit more."
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The Yankees legend then highlighted how Guerrero shone in the postseason, carrying the team on his shoulder. He also provided insights on why the first baseman struggled down the stretch.
"I felt like he was trying so hard because Bo was hurt," Mattingly said. "You know, we're trying to clinch. The Yankees are rolling. They're chasing. They're catching it. They're, you know, they're keep creeping on us. I thought Vlad tried to do too much a little bit."
Don Mattingly shares the message he gave Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Toronto Blue Jays agonizingly came close to winning the 2025 World Series. The Blue Jays lost the final two games to the Los Angeles Dodgers after they took a 3-2 lead in the series.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the star for the Blue Jays in the postseason. He was the 2025 ALCS MVP. Don Mattingly seems to have played a minor role in Guerrero's success. Mattingly shared a story about it in his recent appearance on "The Show."
"He got to the playoffs and I remember I kept saying to him every day, I say, 'It's your time, Vlad. Your time. This is your time,'" Mattingly said (Timestamp: 23:06).
"He is so good that when those kind of guys catch a feel, it's over. And when they catch that feel, it lasts. It's not like a couple of games; it's an extended period of time," he added.
Mattingly said that Guerrero has gone hot for long stretches and carried the team on multiple occasions. Pointing out the Blue Jays star's offensive and defensive prowess, the Yankees legend alluded that the first baseman's leadership qualities are also improving.
