FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After recording one of the best offensive seasons in Fairfield University Baseball history, shortstop Justin Guerrera grabbed the attention from major league scouts around the country, leading him to the next step in his dream to become a major league baseball player. Guerrera officially signed a professional contract with the New York Mets, foregoing his final two collegiate seasons. Guerrera, who was selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft, was one of two Stags to be drafted by the Mets.
 
"It's definitely an exciting moment," Guerrera said. "It's a time where all your hard work up to this point has paid off but there's a lot of work to be done and a long road ahead. You have to keep your nose down, eyes forward, and keep working hard."
 
Guerrera was a key offensive leader for the Stags in their historic season which featured a program record 39 wins and the school's first ever Top-25 ranking. The shortstop tied Fairfield's single season record with 13 homers, which also led the MAAC. Guerrera also finished atop of the conference in RBI (45), runs scored (45), and total bases (111). He was named First Team All-MAAC and also earned two Player of the Week awards throughout the season.
 
The junior capped his season by going .421 (8-for-19) in Fairfield's four games in the NCAA Regional. The biggest of those hits came against Arizona State as his three-run homer put the Stags ahead in a game they would eventually win.
 
For his career, Guerrera slugged 20 homers, tying for the seventh most in program history. He also recorded a .297 batting average with 133 hits, 93 runs scored, 92 RBI, and a .511 slugging percentage.
 
"This is definitely something I have looked forward to my entire life," Guerrera said. "I'm obviously overjoyed and it's something that I've wanted my entire life. Now that it's finally here it's a big feeling."
 
Guerrera is ready to use that excitement as motivation as he begins his minor league career in the Florida Complex League.
 
"I think the biggest challenge is going to be continuing to compete," Guerrera said. "Not only with yourself but continue to compete against more talented people and more talented players. Just having that confidence that I had from college ball and college summer ball to the professional level."