APReading: 3 min.
Verlander, Scherzer headline Mets workouts
New York’s two star pitchers were present at the start of practice.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida — Los The New York Mets are preparing to start a season in which their payroll could reach $370 million, the highest number in history. And in those conditions, they know that the expectations are enormous.
“Will our season be a flop if we win 90 games, or whatever number you can think of?” manager Buck Showalter asked Tuesday, a day before the players were due to report to camp. “It’s all about the result.”
American League Cy Young Trophy winner Justin Verlander signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract. On the day, he pitched his first bullpen session with the Mets.
“Like all pitchers, regardless of their background or success, you try to meet their needs and create an environment in which they reach their full potential,” Showalter said.
Verlander or Max Scherzer would be the starter for the opening game scheduled for March 30 in Miami. And everyone will be keeping an eye on the team owned by Steve Cohen, who has spent stratospheric spending to bolster it.
New York won 101 games last year, the second most in franchise history. However, they couldn’t against the Atlanta Braves, who rallied and won the NL East title.
It was a disappointment for a Mets who weren’t division leaders for just six days. And in the wild card series, they were eliminated by the San Diego Padres.
“You don’t talk about it,” Showalter acknowledged. “It is one of those things that is expressed with a look, without saying anything. Trust me, they know. Who likes to talk about unpleasant moments?
Although they lost Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker and Chris Bassitt in free agency, the Mets added Verlander, Jose Quintana and Kodai Senga to join Scherzer and Carlos Carrasco in the rotation.
New York renewed its contract with Puerto Rican Edwin Díaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. In addition, he replaced catcher James McCann with Omar Narváez.
All of the spending brought the Mets’ expected payroll to $370 million for 2023 — $390 million for “luxury tax” purposes. This could result in being taxed with $115 million dollars.
“Our expectation is to win the championship,” said Díaz. “We can’t wait to start winning games. We will try to be in the World Series.”
Showalter is confident Dominican outfielder Starling Marte will be ready for the opener after undergoing abdominal muscle surgery Nov. 1.