ATLANTA – April 18, 2025 – After a slow start to the season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a statement on Thursday night with a thunderous home run that not only lit up Truist Park but also helped power the Toronto Blue Jays to a well-earned victory over the Atlanta Braves. Following the game, the 25-year-old slugger sat down with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae for a post-game interview, reflecting on his long-awaited first homer of the season and the team’s collective performance.
Guerrero’s solo blast came in the top of the sixth inning off Braves starter Max Fried, breaking a tense 2-2 tie and energizing the visiting dugout. The home run, a 428-foot rocket to left-center field, was vintage Vladdy—an explosive swing, effortless power, and a strut around the bases that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most feared hitters in the game.
“It felt really good,” Guerrero told Hazel Mae on the field, with a wide smile. “You know, it’s been a tough start for me personally, but I never lost confidence. I’ve been working hard every day, and I knew it was only a matter of time.”
Guerrero, who entered the game batting .234 with no homers through the Blue Jays’ first 17 games, had faced growing scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. His power outage had become a topic of daily discussion, especially considering the high expectations surrounding him after multiple 30+ homer seasons. But on Thursday night, he silenced the critics—at least for now.
Hazel Mae asked him what adjustments he made heading into the game. “Just staying patient,” Guerrero explained. “Not trying to do too much. I was chasing pitches earlier this month. Today, I waited for my pitch and just let my swing do the work.”
His timing couldn’t have been better. The Braves, one of the top teams in the National League, had just tied the game in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a clutch RBI single from Ozzie Albies. Guerrero’s homer shifted the momentum right back to the Blue Jays, who added two more runs in the seventh and held on for a 5-3 win behind solid bullpen work.
When asked about the team’s overall performance, Guerrero was quick to praise his teammates. “Everyone contributed today,” he said. “Our pitchers did a great job, the defense made big plays, and the lineup came through. This was a good win for us.”
Indeed, the victory snapped a brief two-game skid and improved the Blue Jays’ record to 9-9 on the season, keeping them in the thick of the AL East standings. Manager John Schneider also lauded Guerrero’s breakthrough performance in his post-game remarks.
“That’s the Vladdy we know and love,” Schneider said. “He’s been putting in the work. I think that homer’s going to open the floodgates. He’s close to breaking out in a big way.”
Guerrero’s conversation with Hazel Mae was both celebratory and grounded. He acknowledged the pressure he feels as a franchise cornerstone but remained focused on staying positive and contributing to team success.
“I know what people expect from me,” he said. “And I expect a lot from myself. But it’s a long season. Tonight was a step forward. Now it’s about building on it and helping this team get to where we want to be.”
As Guerrero walked off the field with cheers from Blue Jays fans who made the trip to Atlanta, it was clear the long ball had done more than just put a run on the scoreboard—it reignited the confidence of a young star looking to return to his MVP-caliber form.
For the Blue Jays, if Guerrero Jr. is indeed heating up, it could be the catalyst they need to turn a slow start into a surging season. And if Thursday’s shot is any indication, the power may be back—just in time.
