Sean Keys makes impact in third appearance for Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO — Toronto Blue Jays rookie Sean Keys knew he struck the ball well. But when it sailed over the left-field fence, landing in Toronto’s bullpen for his first MLB career home run, 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.

Keys’s third-inning, three-run home run helped propel the Blue Jays past the New York Mets 9-3 on a hot and humid Canada Day at Rogers Centre on Wednesday. The win gave Toronto the series victory, its first since they swept the Boston Red Sox from June 16-18.

The 23-year-old Keys was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo last week and made his major-league debut on Saturday against the Texas Rangers. Keys recorded his first career major-league hit, a single, in his debut. His first home run came during his 10th career at-bat.

Facing Mets right-handed starter Freddy Peralta for the second time, Keys saw a first-pitch curveball. He said he was prepared to see a fastball next, and when he got one, he blasted it 349 feet in front of the 41,842-sellout crowd. Keys called the moment “unbelievable.”

“(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.

“I think he knew he got it more so than us based on his reaction,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.

Drafted in the fourth round, 125th overall, in 2024, Keys is ranked 14th in Toronto’s minor-league system, according to MLB.com. The infielder began the 2026 season 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.

He was promoted to Triple A in early June, where he batted .281 with a 1.121 on-base plus slugging percentage and seven home runs in 18 games for the Bisons before he received a call-up to the majors.

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 at the major-league level.

“It’s the most refined level because it’s the best of the best,” said Keys. “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.”

Adding further excitement was the fact that Keys’s first home run came on Canada Day.

As is tradition, the Blue Jays held a special pre-game ceremony in honour of the national holiday that included a presentation of a $300,000 donation from the Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation toward youth baseball organizations in Canada, appearances from Blue Jays alumni Kevin Pillar, Justin Smoak and Marco Estrada, while they did the EdgeWalk from atop the CN Tower and the unfurling of the giant Canadian flag during the national anthem.

“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.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

Kaitlyn McGrath, The Canadian Press