Vladimir Guerrero Jr. downplays cheers from Mets fans at Citi Field: 'That's normal for me'

Among all the pomp and circumstance of the Mets’ home opener was a curious moment when the Blue Jays were being introduced during the pregame ceremony.

When the Mets’ public announcer introduced Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., there were noticeable cheers from the Citi Field crowd. Guerrero Jr.’s impending free agency — unless he agrees to an extension with the Blue Jays before the end of the regular season — is not lost on the Mets fans in attendance and they remember when New York checked in on him this offseason.

Of course, the Mets re-signed Pete Alonso and didn’t get Guerrero Jr., but those rumblings are hard to keep quiet as evidenced by the fan reception. When asked about it after the game, the Blue Jays first baseman downplayed it.

“To be honest with you, that’s normal for me,” Guerrero Jr. said of the cheers through an interpreter. “I’ve never been booed in any other stadium. Everybody always has been nice to me everywhere I go.”

The 26-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and is off to a good start this year. Although he hasn’t hit a home run, he’s batting .267 and hit 2-for-3 with a walk on Friday. He’s easily the Blue Jays’ best player and a homegrown star, which is why the team is looking to sign Guerrero Jr. to an extension, which multiple reports say they are close to achieving.

But, Guerrero Jr. poured some cold water on those reports.

“We didn’t talk anything about contracts or deals or nothing like that. Just talking about family and seeing how we’re doing,” he said. “Like I said before, I’m playing right now. I’m concentrating on the games, on my teammates.”

He told ESPN’s Jorge Castillo in Spanish a bit more on these reported extension talks, saying, “Well, until now, I don’t know anything. I’ve always tried to talk to my agent and I’ve always left that to my agent. I focus on playing. Until now, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Guerrero said back in early March that he was looking for a contract that would go for “14, 15, even 20” years but did not reach the reported $600 million ask. The most recent reports say both sides are close to a deal that is closer to $500 million.

The Mets will host the Blue Jays, and Guerrero Jr., for two more games this weekend.

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