Mets Fans' Ovation May Have Kept Guerrero Jr. in Toronto

Blue Jays star signed $500M extension after warm welcome at Citi Field

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Before signing a 14-year, $500 million contract extension to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was linked to the New York Mets. Guerrero revealed that a warm ovation from Mets fans during the Blue Jays' visit to Citi Field for the home opener may have sealed his decision to remain in Toronto.

Why it matters

This story highlights how fan reactions can influence a player's decision-making process when it comes to free agency or contract negotiations. Guerrero's positive experience with Mets fans may have made him reconsider joining the team, ultimately leading to him signing a long-term deal to stay with the Blue Jays.

The details

Guerrero said the ovation he received from Mets fans during player introductions on Opening Day "sealed" his decision to sign the extension with Toronto. He had been hearing "whispers" that the Mets and Padres were interested in signing him if he hit free agency, but the Citi Field reception made him think "maybe this isn't such a bad idea after all." The Blue Jays then presented Guerrero with a lucrative offer, which he accepted.

  • Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Blue Jays in April 2025.
  • The Blue Jays visited the Mets for their home opener in 2026, where Guerrero received a warm ovation from the Citi Field crowd.

The players

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star first baseman who has played for the Toronto Blue Jays since 2019. He signed a 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the team in 2025.

Pete Alonso

A fan-favorite first baseman who played for the New York Mets from 2019 to 2024 before reaching free agency and signing with the Baltimore Orioles.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“During the whole process, I started thinking, maybe this isn't such a bad idea after all. But it was that moment, seeing the fans go absolutely wild for me against the Mets, that sealed it. That's when the final offer came through.”

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (NJ Advance Media)

“What really opened their eyes was the trip to Citi Field. On Opening Day, when I was introduced, the crowd erupted in a huge ovation. I'd been hearing whispers from players, not necessarily from the Mets, but around the league that if I ever hit free agency, the Mets and Padres were the two teams most interested in signing me.”

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (NJ Advance Media)

What’s next

The Mets will look to rebound from missing the playoffs in 2025 and potentially make a run at signing a top free agent first baseman in the coming offseason.

The takeaway

This story highlights how fan enthusiasm and support can play a significant role in a player's decision-making process, even if it means staying with their current team rather than joining a high-profile franchise like the Mets. It also shows the unpredictable nature of free agency and contract negotiations in professional sports.