Access the Mets beat like never before

Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.

Mets fans showed some serious, surprise love to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the home opener Friday with their enthusiastic cheers for an opposing star, as if he’s a great former Met or possibly — in their dreams, anyway — a beloved future Met. 

I get it. 

It’s never too early to start sucking up to potential free agents, and Guerrero is terrific, one of the top 10 hitters in an era pitchers have been dominating (unless you own a torpedo bat, anyway). 

He’s a legit superstar with real cachet and a Gold Glove first base gamer who’s happy to play third base, depending on team need. In summary, Vlad Jr. is a real mensch.