The New York Mets are ready for a new season and a renewed shot at the World Series.
Yes, they have suffered key injuries to Edwin Diaz, Jose Quintana, and others, but the pitchers who are healthy are good enough to keep the team afloat, and then some.
One of them is Justin Verlander.
Theoretically Jacob deGrom‘s replacement, Verlander is eager to take the ball in front of Mets fans at Citi Field.
What better way to replace a franchise legend and two-time Cy Young award winner than with a three-time winner of the award?
Verlander is not only extremely talented, but he remains hungrier than ever at 40 years old.
“’I can promise the fans that I always give everything I got every single time I’m out there. I know these fans are passionate and so am I.’ @JustinVerlander on getting to start the home opener at @CitiField. #LGM,” the Mets’ official account tweeted, with a short clip of the reigning Cy Young in the American League.
“I can promise the fans that I always give everything I got every single time I'm out there. I know these fans are passionate and so am I.” @JustinVerlander on getting to start the home opener at @CitiField. #LGM pic.twitter.com/MOda1qHl2S
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 26, 2023
For the first time in his life, Verlander will be defending a National League squad.
That probably won’t be a problem for him, as he has dominated MLB hitters left and right since 2006 and that probably isn’t going to change.
Only Father Time will be a real enemy at this point, and that may not happen in 2023.
He is eager to team up with Max Scherzer to give the Mets two bonafide aces to navigate the season.
The Mets rotation, officially, will look like this:
Tylor Megill was informed last night that he will be the Opening Day starter at Triple-A Syracuse.
The Mets' rotation order, officially:
1. Max Scherzer
2. David Peterson
3. Justin Verlander
4. Kodai Senga
5. Carlos Carrasco— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 27, 2023
There was chatter about using a six-man rotation for a while, but Tylor Megill will be at Triple-A to open the year.
Verlander gets the home opener.
It will be a raucous crowd, as they watch the pitcher that had got a 1.75 ERA in 175 frames with the Houston Astros in 2022.
NEXT: Mets Manager Comments On Surprising Roster Decision
