Former Mets Speak on Getting Traded at Deadline
In the days following the Mets purging of it roster, there are now vastly different takes from now former members of the Mets.
Case number 1: Max Scherzer. The former Mets pitcher in a way tossed the Mets under the bus when he went to The Athletic and told Ken Rosenthal that GM Billy Eppler admitted that the franchise would not pursue top talent in the off-season, promoting Scherzer to accept a trade.
Max Scherzer with some candid comments about Mets plans for next season. pic.twitter.com/T7abFAi14H
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) August 1, 2023
"They're looking to compete now for 2025 and 2026. It was not gonna be a reload situation in New York. It was gonna be more of a transition in 2024."
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 2, 2023
Max Scherzer talks about his conversations with Billy Eppler and Steve Cohen around the trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/s9hT1IsVEd
Eppler responded that he didn’t want to bring his discussion with Scherzer into public consumption.
“We will field a competitive team in 2024,” Eppler said. “It is time to focus on what resources we have and put our best foot forward.”
Billy Eppler discusses the comments Max Scherzer made regarding the Mets future, breaks down how the Justin Verlander trade came about and the focus on building the farm system
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 2, 2023
READ: https://t.co/jJceAfdEXc pic.twitter.com/zzE7B7kGAe
To be fair, Scherzer did tell the media in Texas that it was a disappointing year, and took responsibility for his performance on the field.
"We came in with World Series aspirations in New York. Steve had gone out there and done everything in the world to provide a winning ballculb for the Mets organization. Unfortunately, we didn't play up to par."
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 2, 2023
- Max Scherzer pic.twitter.com/9mQiGccdbh
The war of words took an interesting twist when Scherzer struggled in the early going of his debut with the Rangers, allowing three runs in the opening inning. He would settle down and find a way through six innings of work.
Justin Verlander Praises Mets
Meanwhile, fellow ex-Met Justin Verlander took the high road when speaking of the Mets. He offerd praised for owner Steve Cohen, and wished his ex-mates well, adding he will remember his short time in Queens fondly.
Justin Verlander talks about the "tough" conversation with Steve Cohen and says he wishes them, the Mets and the fan base nothing but the best
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 3, 2023
"It was a short, but nice run for me and my family" pic.twitter.com/I5eADzn5kh
“A+ from top to bottom. Anybody who asks me about that organization, I would recommend their organization. Because it didn’t work on the field this year, doesn’t mean it won’t work out in the future,” Verlander continued.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for their organization and how they treat their players. A+ from top to bottom. Anybody that would ask me about that organization if they had a decision to make, I would recommend their organization"
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 3, 2023
- Justin Verlander on the Mets pic.twitter.com/5muowDoS4M
Mark Canha Reflects:
Finally, Mark Canha spoke candidly about his time with the Mets after donning Brewers navy and gold for the first time. He praised the organization, adding he felt New York still had a chance to be a contender.
“We knew this was a good chance of this happening. My wife and I prepared as much as we could.”
Mark Canha on the hustle and bustle of being traded for the first time, and being one of several players dealt away by the high-priced Mets. pic.twitter.com/WQawFBgpd7
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 1, 2023
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