Jesse RogersOct 29, 2025, 07:45 AM ETCloseJesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.Follow on X
Blue Jays take Game 4 to even World Series at 2-2 (1:24)The Blue Jays don’t look back after Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run jack as they defeat the Dodgers in Game 4. (1:24)
‘Grabbing some popcorn and watching him do his thing’
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a hanging sweeper from all-world pitcher/hitter Shohei Ohtani in the third inning of Game 4 of the World Series — and blasted it into the night sky just moments after the Los Angeles Dodgers had taken a 1-0 lead.
It was the latest in an October full of big moments produced by the face of his franchise, and the fact that it came against the Dodgers’ two-way phenom adds to an evolving storyline: Ohtani isn’t the only superstar in this World Series.
“That swing was huge,” manager John Schneider said after the win that tied the series at two games apiece. “A sweeper is a pitch designed to generate popups…and the swing that Vlad put on it was elite. After last night [Game 3] and kind of all the recognition that went into Shohei individually and he’s on the mound today, it’s a huge swing from Vlad. It’s a huge swing to get us going. I think that gives [us] some momentum.”
Max Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer pitching in the World Series for a fourth different franchise, and even the 41-year-old right-hander is impressed by what he has seen from Guerrero on a nightly basis.
“He’s just locked and loaded,” Scherzer said. “He’s such a force. To me, his greatness is beyond his offense. It’s his defense and baserunning too. He’s an all-around great player.”
But nothing else Guerrero has done this season compares to the show he has put on with the bat in his hands. Even his hitting coach, David Popkins, often finds himself watching his star like a fan would.
“It’s pretty much enjoying the show, grabbing some popcorn and watching him do his thing,” Popkins said with a laugh. “He’s ahead of every adjustment before we can get to him. I learn from him every day.
“This postseason as a whole is just the most amazing baseball I’ve ever seen from him. And that’s saying something because he hit like .400 in the second half last year. This is the best version of him.”
On the heels of signing a massive $500 million contract that will keep him with the Blue Jays through the 2039 season, many of Guerrero’s teammates point to the extra pressure on their superstar’s shoulders to deliver this month — but he just keeps on living up to the expectations.
“That I am helping my team win some games,” he responded through the team interpreter. “That’s what I’m impressed with right now.”
The effects of his play were echoed throughout the locker room after the latest in a month of heroics.
“He never settles,” Popkins said. “He’s really grounded in who he is as a hitter and what his foundational beliefs are based off how he was raised. He’s special in that manner.”
“I’d probably pitch around him,” Lauer said with a laugh. “His bat path is so smooth and long, I feel like he can get to anything.
“Whenever he comes up, we’re just like ‘Hang a slider or a curveball. Hang something. Or throw a fastball down the middle and see how far that goes.'”
Blue Jays take Game 4 to even World Series at 2-2 (1:24)The Blue Jays don’t look back after Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run jack as they defeat the Dodgers in Game 4. (1:24)
The Blue Jays don’t look back after Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run jack as they defeat the Dodgers in Game 4. (1:24)
LOS ANGELES — It was a swing that could turn the World Series.
“And when those things click, it’s on like Donkey Kong.”
It’s a common theme from those playing with him this October.
CloseJesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.Follow on X