Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. playing in World Baseball Classic 23? Superstar's participation status explored after injury 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is known for his size-driving ability to whack the ball for serious power and fans are wondering if they might be able to see the Dominican represent his country at this year's World Baseball Classic.

Born in Montreal to then-Expos star Vladimir Sr., Guerrero Jr. claims both Canadian and Dominican citizenship. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman finished sixth overall in Rookie of the Year voting in 2019. In 2021, he hit a league-best 42 home runs.

"Vladimir Guerrero Jr./Spencer Horwitz and bench coach Don Mattingly" - @ Hazel Mae

Despite being only 24 years of age, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is being touted as the face of his team. The Blue Jays have not won a World Series title since 1993, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has so far been unsuccessful in changing that.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place between March 8th and March 21st of this year. It is the first such tournament since 2017, when the Dominican Republic handled some heartbreaking late-round losses to Team USA and Team Puerto Rico. They are due to kick off their action against Venezuela on March 11th at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.

Guerrero did not appear for his country in 2017. In the fall of 2022, he announced that he would be suiting up for the Dominican Republic in his first-ever World Baseball Classic tournament.

In early 2023, it was announced during Toronto Blue Jays spring training that Guerrero Jr. was suffering from a temporary but debilitating knee inflammation, and days later, the player made it known that he would be missing the upcoming tournament.

"Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will no longer play in the World Baseball Classic due to his right knee injury. (via @longleysonsport)" - @ Fox Sports: MLB

Although Guerrero Jr's absence will be missed, the Dominicans are lucky to have a plethora of highly skilled bats on their team. Seattle Mariners rookie of the year Julio Rodriguez, San Diego Padres phenom Juan Soto, and MVP runner-up Manny Machado are just a few names fans can look forward to seeing play for their country.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s decision prioritizes the season

The Toronto Blue Jays once again find themselves in baseball's most competitive division. As such, they will need all the support they can get. By sitting out the tournament, Guerrero Jr. is making it clear that he is more interested in getting in top shape for Opening Day.