No setup, no dramatic lead-in moment – the Toronto Blue Jays stole the spotlight at the 2025 MLB Awards in Las Vegas. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, the duo who have been at the heart of Toronto’s magical season, took the stage with All-MLB honors, turning an ordinary night into a defining moment for the team’s future.
While Guerrero was named All-MLB First Team for the third time in his career, Bichette was named All-MLB Second Team – a milestone marking a strong comeback after an injury-plagued 2024 season. For a team that has been waiting for glory since 1993, these honors are not only a source of pride, but also an affirmation: the Blue Jays’ time has come.
The ceremony at the Encore Theater on November 13 was more bustling than usual as the Blue Jays appeared as the plot-breakers. After being predicted to finish last in the AL East, they unexpectedly won the division, stormed to the World Series, and only fell in a thrilling Game 7 to the Dodgers. But amid the disappointment, Guerrero and Bichette shone brightly, becoming the faces of that legendary journey.
Guerrero Jr., 26, was the brightest star of the night. He not only made the First Team, but also earned Entertainer of the Year honors for his emotional play. His regular season was impressive with a .292 AVG, 23 HR, and .848 OPS. But it was the postseason that truly cemented him as a legend: .397/.489/.900, eight homers, and moments that made the league bow. The $500 million, 14-year contract signed in April now feels more appropriate than ever.
Bo Bichette, on the other hand, is the embodiment of resilience. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, he returned with a .311 AVG, 18 HR, 44 doubles, and his best season since 2019. Even when he was forced to play second base in the World Series because of knee problems, Bichette was a powerhouse offensively, scoring runs in timely fashion. As a free agent this winter, his future is being closely watched by the entire league—but his love for Toronto makes his decision all the more exciting.
The duo’s explosiveness rippled through the city like a domino effect. Social media was filled with images of Guerrero celebrating, Bichette’s emotionless but powerful punches, and the jubilation of “Jays Nation.” One fan wrote: “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for for three decades.”
But the joy doesn’t obscure the reality: the Blue Jays still have major holes to fill if they want to return to the World Series. The bullpen showed its weaknesses in October, especially with a painful blown save in Game 7. Free agency this year will be a battleground: Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and a host of veteran relievers are out of contract. GM Ross Atkins has said the team will “fight like hell,” with retaining Bichette expected to be the top priority—possibly with a seven-year, $175 million contract.
Still, all indicators point to Toronto’s upward trajectory. Guerrero is committed to 2038, talent like Ricky Tiedemann is poised to make the jump to MLB, and the payroll could rise to $220 million. The city is still shaking with excitement after its incredible postseason performances, and the feeling that another great season is ahead is growing.
In the neon lights of Las Vegas that night, Guerrero said one short but powerful phrase that summed up the entire journey:
“We don’t wait for permission to shine. We just do it.”
If that spirit holds, Canadian fans should prepare — because the Blue Jays’ best chapter may yet begin.
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