TORONTO, CANADA – JUNE 26: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks to the dugout in the seventh inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/IOS/Getty Images)
The Toronto Blue Jays have established several traditions as they have risen to become one of the American League’s premier clubs.
However, as the team seeks to rekindle the momentum from its second‑half surge and deep playoff run last season, players appear to be experimenting with various on‑base celebrations in hopes of igniting further improvement.
For a rookie enjoying a breakout season, however, keeping pace with the newest ritual required a corrective comment from one of Toronto’s biggest stars.
One of the Blue Jays’ most recent dugout celebrations seems to be a hand gesture whose origin remains unclear.
According to Kaitlyn McGrath of the Toronto Star, when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stood on second base after driving in George Springer with a double in a recent Blue Jays victory at the Rogers Centre, the first baseman turned toward the dugout, raised his hands above his head and tapped his knuckles together. This gesture has become common whenever a Blue Jays player records a hit, and even manager John Schneider participated in the celebration after a recent win.
Rookie Brandon Valenzuela recently acknowledged difficulty keeping up with the evolving celebrations, and it appears that Guerrero is helping to enforce proper camaraderie.
McGrath added that Valenzuela, in the midst of a breakout season, admitted difficulty tracking the changing signal. When he performed the wrong gesture, Guerrero promptly corrected him, saying, ‘We’re not doing that, bro, we’re doing this,’ as Valenzuela recalled.
This lighthearted exchange highlighted Guerrero’s leadership role within Toronto’s clubhouse and the team’s continued emphasis on maintaining the right atmosphere.
Although Guerrero continues to mentor younger players, his individual production has declined compared with last season’s remarkable performance.
Zach Bachar of Bleacher Report noted that after Guerrero concluded a stellar 2025 campaign—earning ALCS MVP honors and helping Toronto reach the World Series—his production at the plate has dipped this season. He is batting .265 with four home runs, 13 doubles and 35 RBIs in 309 at‑bats, and his .692 OPS marks a career low.
Despite these offensive struggles, Guerrero remains one of the most influential voices in Toronto’s clubhouse. His willingness to mentor a rookie on a simple celebration underscores the leadership responsibilities that accompany a franchise player.
Given that the team has yet to meet early-season expectations, perfecting the on‑base celebration may be more significant than many fans realize.
