Sean Keys hit his first major-league home run—a three-run shot in the third inning—as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Mets 9-3 on a hot, humid Canada Day at Rogers Centre, sealing the series win.
Toronto’s bullpen didn’t just catch the ball—on Canada Day, it delivered the moment Sean Keys will remember for a long time.
The Blue Jays rookie saw it happen, then for a second didn’t fully process it. When his drive sailed over the left-field fence and landed in Toronto’s bullpen for his first MLB career home run, Keys said his mind went “a bit foggy for a second or two.”
“But I remember rounding first base, high-fiving (first base coach Mark Budzinski), and then having (Carlos Febles) at third base. I remember that,” Keys said after the game.
The third-inning swing was the spark in Toronto’s 9-3 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday at Rogers Centre. where the crowd sat under summer heat and humidity for a Canada Day celebration. The victory also gave the Blue Jays a series win—their first since they swept the Boston Red Sox from June 16-18.
Keys’ home run came against Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta, the starter he faced for the second time. This time, Keys saw a first-pitch curveball and said he was ready for a fastball next. When he got it, he turned it into a 349-foot blast in front of a crowd of 41,842 sellout.
“It was unbelievable,” Keys said.
After the ball left his bat. the emotion followed quickly—especially once the Blue Jays’ Canada Day ceremony added its own layer to the night. Keys said he was able to wear a jacket brought up by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and that the moment hit even harder because he wasn’t sure he would get the chance.
“(Vladimir Guerrero Jr.), bringing up the jacket. I (saw) it before the game, didn’t know if it would be a reality to be able to wear it today, but it was awesome to be able to celebrate with them,” Keys said.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider saw the same excitement in real time.
“I think he knew he got it more so than us based on his reaction,” Schneider said.
Keys’ path to Toronto has been quick, but it’s also been earned. The 23-year-old was recalled from triple-A Buffalo last week and made his major-league debut on Saturday against the Texas Rangers. In that first appearance. Keys recorded his first career major-league hit—a single—and then waited only until his 10th career at-bat for his first home run.
Toronto’s third-inning burst also reflected a theme Keys has been working on since he arrived: carrying the habits that worked in the minors into the major leagues, even if nothing about this level feels “easy.”
Keys has only played three games for the Blue Jays so far, but he said he’s been trying to take what helped him in the minors and apply it to his approach in the majors.
“It’s the most refined level because it’s the best of the best,” Keys said. “So. trying to take what I’ve used and succeeded at (in) the minor leagues. and then trying to have the best approach and kind of manage how you’re facing the best. so maybe success won’t happen as much. but having to stay consistent mentally and go from at-bat to at-bat.”.
Off the field, the day’s schedule turned the night into a full production. As tradition. the Blue Jays held a pre-game ceremony honouring the national holiday. featuring a presentation of a $300. 000 donation from the Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation toward youth baseball organizations in Canada. Alumni Kevin Pillar. Justin Smoak and Marco Estrada were on hand. and the crowd watched the EdgeWalk from atop the CN Tower. During the national anthem, the giant Canadian flag was unfurled.
Keys said the timing of his call-up made it even more personal.
“I loved it. It was incredible,” Keys said. “All the guys told me this is going to be one of the most special games of the year, and I’m honoured that I got called up a couple of days before that. I had marked it on my calendar once I knew I’d be here.
“(I) had chills before the game, seeing everyone up on the CN Tower, the flag, the crowd was so loud, singing the anthem. It was awesome.”
His baseball journey feeds directly into why the night mattered. Drafted in the fourth round. 125th overall. in 2024. Keys is ranked 14th in Toronto’s minor-league system. according to MLB.com. He began 2026 in double-A. hitting .285 with a .411 on-base percentage and a .581 slugging percentage with 14 home runs in 49 games for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
In early June, he moved up to triple-A, batting .281 with a 1.121 on-base plus slugging percentage and seven home runs in 18 games for the Bisons before earning the call to the majors.
On Wednesday, it all came together in a single moment—349 feet, left-field, and a Canada Day win that carried the kind of story the Blue Jays clubhouse will replay long after the fireworks are gone.
Sean Keys Toronto Blue Jays New York Mets Canada Day Rogers Centre Freddy Peralta Vladimir Guerrero Jr. John Schneider Mark Budzinski Carlos Febles
349 feet?? that seems fake lol. also Canada Day curse or something.
I didn’t even know this guy Sean Keys played for Toronto but good for him. “foggy for a second” is relatable 😂. Mets really just let that happen on Canada Day??
Wait so he hit a home run off Freddy Peralta twice? I thought Peralta was on a different team like always, so idk. Either way the article makes it sound like the bullpen caught the ball themselves which is not how it works… right? Pretty sure the pitcher can’t just “deliver the moment” for you.
Blue Jays bullpen delivered the moment?? That wording threw me. Canada Day ceremony + 9-3 + first career homer… honestly sounds like a made-for-TV highlight reel. I’m just saying if the Mets didn’t blow it in the 3rd inning none of this matters. Also 41,842 sellout is wild, must be nice living near Rogers Centre.