NEW YORK — An early free agency call from Steve Cohen to Justin Verlander helped the future Hall of Fame pitcher get shipped to the Mets.
While the conversation had nothing to do with baseball, it helped reveal Cohen’s authenticity and sincerity in making the Mets a consistent World Series contender.
“It gave me such a positive vibe about his vision for this franchise and his vision of making this franchise great,” Verlander said. “To speak to Billy (Eppler) and the rest of the staff, they all share the same vision and passion and will do whatever it takes to make this a championship-capable organization again.
“That’s what I want to be part of in this department moving forward, and obviously this organization made a big step forward last year. They had a great season and I think it’s just going in the right direction. increase.” “
At this stage in his career, Verlander wants to keep his grip on the ring.
Coming into his 40th season, Verlander, fresh off a World Series crown and Cy Young Award with the Astros, wants to help the Mets take another step in building a consistent championship contender. increase.
A replacement for Jacob deGrom?
Three days after Jacob deGrom left the Mets for the Rangers, the Mets and general manager Billy Eppler signed a two-year, $86.66 million deal to move Verlander away from the World Series champions.
These early conversations with the Mets front office and deGrom’s departure opened the door for Verlander to come to New York. And that wiped out the Mets’ desire to do dynamic one-two punches in addition to rotating with Verlander and Max Scherzer.
“[Last season]was written to be able to have two aces against any club,” Eppler said. “We wanted to do the same thing. After Jacob declared himself, we could see Justin and another pitcher and feel some kind of interest on the[Verlander’s]side as well.” I think he wanted to be here and he wanted the chance to fight for another championship.”
Verlander did not say he was deGrom’s replacement, but waited until he left to make a decision.
“He’s an icon in this stadium and for this organization,” said Verlander. “I don’t think it was fair to him or me to make that decision before he made it.”
age is just a number
Verlander’s career had two fleeting moments, including two World Series titles, three Cy Young Awards, and an American League MVP.
The first was a trunk surgery in 2014. The second was her 2020 Tommy John surgery. Through all his accomplishments, it was adversity that allowed the 39-year-old to reset, refocus, and build better relationships with his teammates and family.
“I think it really shakes you up a little bit and you say, ‘Hey, what you’re doing isn’t always the best way, so allow yourself to change your routine and do whatever you want.’ You can do it,” Barr said. Lander spoke of the surgery in 2014.
“I have always said, whenever my career ends, there is no stone that will not allow me to be as successful as possible.I am always looking for new information. I’m trying to improve and grow my career.”
Verlander, who has returned from Tommy John surgery, is 18-4 with a league-best 1.75 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 175 innings to earn AL Cy Young.
Verlander said he felt like he was blindsided early in his career, but he is more adaptable and willing to help his teammates and apply new information to extend his career.17 years veterans feel like they’re not done yet.
“Why do I put all that time and effort into it, work it, sacrifice it, and sell myself short in the end?” said Verlander. “It’s like running a marathon and stopping a mile from the finish line. Or maybe you’re 10 miles from the finish line. I don’t know why you would do that. ?”
pair of aces
All-time strikeout leaderboards continued to flip-flop throughout last season.
One day, Verlander was in front of me. And what next? It was Scherzer’s turn to jump first. At the end of the 2022 season, Verlander was 12th all-time with 3,198 strikeouts and Scherzer was 13th with 3,193.
The pair of aces, now considered two of the most competitive in the league after teaming up in Detroit from 2010-2014, will share a clubhouse for the second time.
“I think one of the things that impressed me the most about Max was his tenacity and competitiveness,” Verlander said. “I think we both have it, but when you look at it from the outside, it’s something you really appreciate. When the moment comes, you don’t hesitate to take it. You just have to be the best.” and will never go back.”
Between them, three World Series and six Cy Young Awards will be brought to Citi Field. The duo came close to achieving that championship dream together in 2012 when they lost to the Giants in their World Championship series.
Today, they bring their vast experience together again, aiming to build a legacy in New York.
“When you look back at it, it was two young guys trying to get a foothold in the game, two great pitchers,” Verlander said. “I wish I could have won it all back then. But look forward to now, almost 10 years later. We are both in a great place professionally, knowing ourselves better, I see myself as a mature man with a family.If I can have that perspective, I think we can help this situation and move forward together in this organization, this new organization.”