Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Kazuma Okamoto put friendship on hold for World Baseball Classic
Photo credit: https://www.forbes.com/
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto won't be sharing a clubhouse next week - at least not as teammates.
For the past several weeks at Toronto Blue Jays camp, the two sluggers have built a budding friendship, working side by side in batting practice and spending extra time sharpening their defence.
But with the World Baseball Classic set to begin, that camaraderie is temporarily on pause.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr is headed to represent the Dominican Republic, while Kazuma Okamoto will suit up for Samurai Japan.
Guerrero flew to Miami on Saturday night to join his Dominican teammates and begin preparations for the tournament.
And as far as he's concerned, the dynamic has officially changed.
«I told him two days ago, 'After Saturday, me and you are enemies," Guerrero said with a wide grin during a Sportsnet broadcast, as teammates jokingly showered him with sunflower seeds.
«Now we're teammates, but after Saturday, we're enemies.»
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the World Baseball Classic rivalry with Kazuma Okamoto
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the World Baseball Classic rivalry with Kazuma Okamoto
Guerrero and Okamoto take national pride very seriously
The playful trash talk reflects a genuine bond that's formed this spring.
Guerrero has taken on a leadership role around Okamoto, helping him adjust during drills and even attempting to pick up some Japanese along the way.
«He's been teaching me a little bit of Japanese, but that's tough, man,» Guerrero said, laughing. «He knows some Spanish. Every time he talks to me, it's in Spanish, so I'm glad he can speak a little bit.»
The pair have even created their own handshake - finishing it off with a bow - blending their cultures in a lighthearted way. Still, when it comes to the WBC, both players know the stakes are real.
The tournament continues to grow globally, but in baseball powerhouses like the Dominican Republic and Japan, it carries enormous national pride.
Representing your country isn't just an honour - it's a responsibility.
Guerrero made that clear Saturday, proudly wearing a sparkling chain with a «D.R.» pendant.
He originally had the piece made for the 2023 tournament but was forced to withdraw that year due to right knee discomfort during camp. Missing out left a mark.
Now healthy, Guerrero is eager to finally wear his country's colours on the world stage - especially for his father, who never had the chance to compete in the event.
«I'm super excited. My dad never went to one. I just want to see his reaction when he sees me with that uniform on,» Guerrero said. «I can't wait to fly to be with the team in Miami.»
Blue Jays fans can catch both players in action March 6, with Japan facing Chinese Taipei in the morning (5 a.m. ET) and the Dominican Republic taking on Nicaragua later that evening (7 p.m. ET) .
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| POLL | ||
MARS 1|103 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Kazuma Okamoto put friendship on hold for World Baseball Classic Who do you think will perform better in the World Baseball Classic? | ||
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr | 67 | 65 % |
| Kazuma Okamoto | 36 | 35 % |
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