Mets’ right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman addressed the media today via Zoom call, and says he is rearing to go and his excitement for the 2021 season is at an all time high.
Stroman, 29, opted out of the shortened 2020 season after battling a torn calf muscle and due to his concerns of playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Stroman says his “body is elite” and he can’t wait to get out there and pitch.
“I want to remind the world the pitcher that I am,” Stroman said. “I am truly at the best place I’ve ever been in my life based on mind-body connection.”
The Mets acquired Stroman prior to the 2019 trade deadline in exchange for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. An all-star that year with Toronto, Stroman pitched in 11 games for the Mets and logged a 3.77 ERA, 4.15 FIP and struck out 60 batters in 59.2 innings pitched.
The Long Island native accepted the $18.9 million qualifying offer the Mets extended him this winter, foregoing testing the open market. He will remain in a starting rotation that he says is unbelievable, specifically Jacob deGrom.
“I’ve been kicking it with deGrom all day and we are ready to rock,” Stroman said.
He spoke about his desire to remain in Queens, and called new Mets owner Steve Cohen’s excitement level refreshing.
“When I had the opportunity to come back to the Mets, to be honest with you, that was something on my priority list,” Stroman said.
He added that there were rumors swirling that when he got traded to the Mets in 2019, he was disappointed that it wasn’t the Yankees, which he said was completely false. His mindset now is focusing on this season.
“I never have to get ready, because I stay ready. So I’m ready to rock,” Stroman said. “My preparation is elite. My trainer is elite. I put the utmost confidence in her, my body and my mind.”
This offseason, the Mets added a plethora of players to their 40-man roster. The most recent one was outfielder Kevin Pillar, who Stroman played with in Toronto. He said that Pillar is one of his best friends, and is a wizard in center field.
“Kevin has always been my guy,” Stroman said. “He is one of the most fiery guys to ever go out on the field. He’s going to go out there and give you 120 percent.”
Another player the Mets added is catcher James McCann, who Stroman will be working with extensively. The right-hander will be throwing his first bullpen session with the new backstop tomorrow.
“McCann is unbelievable player and is a huge, huge addition to the team,” Stroman said.
