Toronto was buzzing with anticipation on Monday, October 20, 2025, ahead of the Blue Jays' crucial Game 7 ALCS matchup against the Seattle Mariners, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added an unexpected twist to the narrative. The Blue Jays' star first baseman arrived at Rogers Centre sporting an Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, immediately igniting a wave of reactions across the city and the internet.
Guerrero's choice of attire was more than just a casual fashion statement; it was a bold move that stirred up a complex mix of hope and trepidation among Toronto sports fans. Matthews, the Maple Leafs' star center, is a highly respected figure in Toronto, but the Leafs' well-documented struggles in Game 7s have made some fans superstitious. The Maple Leafs have a troubling Game 7 record, having lost seven straight. Some fans saw Guerrero Jr.'s gesture as tempting fate, while others viewed it as a symbol of unity and confidence.
"[I] was born ready and I want it all for this city," Guerrero Jr. stated confidently after the Blue Jays' Game 6 victory. His words reflected the high stakes and his determination to bring a World Series title back to Toronto for the first time since 1993.
The Blue Jays' current ALCS run marks their deepest postseason appearance since their back-to-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993. Guerrero Jr. has been a dominant force throughout the postseason, leading MLB with six home runs and 12 RBIs, boasting an impressive 1.532 OPS over 10 games. In the previous season, he recorded 23 home runs and 84 RBIs, with a .292 AVG and .848 OPS.
The camaraderie between Toronto's sports teams has been evident throughout the MLB postseason. Earlier, the Seattle Kraken showed their support for the Mariners by wearing Mariners jerseys to their game against the Maple Leafs. Max Domi has also been seen sporting Blue Jays apparel at Maple Leafs games. Guerrero Jr. himself has expressed support for the Maple Leafs in the past.
Despite the mixed reactions, Guerrero Jr.'s confidence remains unshaken. He seems unfazed by any notion of a "sports curse". His focus is on leading his team to victory and delivering a championship to the city.
As the Blue Jays prepared for Game 7, the atmosphere in Toronto was electric. Guerrero Jr.'s jersey choice added an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated game. Whether it was a stroke of genius or a risky gamble, one thing was clear: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was ready to embrace the moment and give everything he had for the city of Toronto.
