Part 2/8:

At the core of the optimism was the 22-year-old breakout star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who displayed an exceptional performance throughout the season, only to face stiff competition for the American League MVP title. The team was also brimming with talent, featuring a second baseman who set a record for home runs in a season and a pitcher on the brink of winning the Cy Young Award. With this level of prowess, many believed the Blue Jays would soon become a major force in baseball. Guerrero’s enthusiastic declaration that "last year was a trailer" only fueled the anticipation.