INTERVIEW: Vlad Guerrero Jr says 'Ohtani wasn't that tough to hit', stunned Denzel Washington knew his name
Photo credit: Yancen Pujols - x.com
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wasted no time making an impression at Spring Training, arriving Thursday in peak condition after an eventful offseason.
Vladdy checking in from Spring Training ✌️
After falling just one game short of a World Series title last season — and enduring a heartbreaking Game 7 loss, it’s clear Guerrero has found another level of motivation heading into 2026.
Guerrero Jr reveals 'Ohtani wasn't that tough to hit'
In an interview with Dominican columnist Yancen Pujols, translated by Master Flip, Guerrero reflected on the Blue Jays’ World Series matchup against the Dodgers.
He spoke candidly about being labeled heavy underdogs, facing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the experience of competing on baseball’s biggest stage.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr on facing Shohei Ohtani in the Word Series;
(Translation by Master Flip)
We knew we were up against the “dream team” and everyone had us as massive underdogs. People were already calling it, swept 1-2-3-4, done! But honestly? Shohei Ohtani wasn’t that tough to hit.
Yamamoto, though? Yeah, that dude was nasty. Straight up MVP! I tip my cap. He was painting the corners low, dotting the knees, throwing strikes to everybody and dominating. Ohtani? Not as hard.
We were taking all series, just normal back and forth. That’s exactly why I say I had the time of my life in the World Series and had fun to the absolute max!
(Translation by Master Flip)
We knew we were up against the “dream team” and everyone had us as massive underdogs. People were already calling it, swept 1-2-3-4, done! But honestly? Shohei Ohtani wasn’t that tough to hit.
Yamamoto, though? Yeah, that dude was nasty. Straight up MVP! I tip my cap. He was painting the corners low, dotting the knees, throwing strikes to everybody and dominating. Ohtani? Not as hard.
We were taking all series, just normal back and forth. That’s exactly why I say I had the time of my life in the World Series and had fun to the absolute max!
Guerrero also shared a memorable encounter with Hollywood icon Denzel Washington, recalling how surprised he was that the Academy Award-winning actor knew exactly who he was.
Vladimir Guerrero jr recalls meeting Denzel Washington at Dodgers stadium and getting schooled in life;
(Translated and written by Master Flip)
I’ve seen almost every Denzel Washington movie from my era onward, though I haven’t caught his earlier classics yet.
Then came the 2022 MLB All Star Game at Dodger Stadium. We were out there, and the teams’ translator, Tito, suddenly says, “Denzel’s here.” I was like, “Who’s Denzel?” He goes, “Denzel Washington.” I laughed it off. “Stop playing, bro, you’re always joking.” But he insisted, “I’m serious, he’s in the clubhouse right now.”
I dropped everything mid practice and took off running. I couldn’t find a bat for him to sign, so I just grabbed the practice hat I was wearing and said, “Here, sign this for me.” We snapped a quick picture together too.
When I shook his hand, he looked right at me and said, “Ahh, Vladdy Jr., huh?” I was stunned he actually knew my name! Then he added, “God bless you, and remember something; to win, you have to lose.” 🎥 @YancenPujols
(Translated and written by Master Flip)
I’ve seen almost every Denzel Washington movie from my era onward, though I haven’t caught his earlier classics yet.
Then came the 2022 MLB All Star Game at Dodger Stadium. We were out there, and the teams’ translator, Tito, suddenly says, “Denzel’s here.” I was like, “Who’s Denzel?” He goes, “Denzel Washington.” I laughed it off. “Stop playing, bro, you’re always joking.” But he insisted, “I’m serious, he’s in the clubhouse right now.”
I dropped everything mid practice and took off running. I couldn’t find a bat for him to sign, so I just grabbed the practice hat I was wearing and said, “Here, sign this for me.” We snapped a quick picture together too.
When I shook his hand, he looked right at me and said, “Ahh, Vladdy Jr., huh?” I was stunned he actually knew my name! Then he added, “God bless you, and remember something; to win, you have to lose.” 🎥 @YancenPujols
Guerrero’s dominant 2025 postseason performance helped reshape the narrative around his career.
Any lingering doubts about whether he was worthy of his $500-million contract have largely disappeared.
Now, entering 2026 with renewed confidence and added motivation, Guerrero appears poised for another big year — a promising sign for both him and a Blue Jays team eager to finish what it started.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 12|159 ANSWERS INTERVIEW: Vlad Guerrero Jr says 'Ohtani wasn't that tough to hit', stunned Denzel Washington knew his name Do you think Vladimir Guerrero Jr will have a better season in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 129 | 81.1 % |
| No | 13 | 8.2 % |
| Too early to tell | 17 | 10.7 % |
| List of polls | ||