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Over the last week or so, multiple Mets have been out an about in public appearances, from the Baseball Writers Association of America awards dinner to a community event in Flushing about the area surrounding Citi Field. Let’s take a look at what some of the Mets personalities have talked about.

Justin Verlander

At the BBWAA dinner, Justin Verlander accepted his Cy Young award for the 2022 season. As he began his speech, he addressed Mets manager Buck Showalter, who was there accepting his NL Manager of the Year award.

“I’ve had the pleasure of playing for some great Hall of Fame managers in my career,” Verlander said, “and I really look forward to having the opportunity to play for, in my opinion, another one.”

Verlander has played for Jim Leyland and Dusty Baker in the past—the former who is in the Hall of Fame and the latter who will be.

Buck Showalter

Speaking of Buck Showalter, the manager spoke with NJ.com‘s Bob Klapisch about the Carlos Correa saga, Steve Cohen, and many more topics. One of them was his ace from 2022—Jacob deGrom—leaving for the Texas Rangers. In the conversation, Showalter told Klapisch that deGrom said there was a “real reason” why he left New York.

“He said, ‘someday I’d like to sit down with you and explain what really happened. I really thought I’d be back there,'” Showalter said of his conversation with deGrom. He essentially said that the Rangers made an offer that was “light years” ahead of everyone else, and that he believes deGrom was happy playing in New York City.

Steve Cohen

As for the man who went on a nearly $600 million spending spree once deGrom signed with Texas, Mets owner Steve Cohen made another appearance at a “vision session” for the area around Citi Field. As someone who expects to be heavily involved in what the area around Citi Field turns into, Cohen said fans have made it clear the Mets need to “do better” with the area around the park. “Across the country, ballparks have been adding meaningful experiences for both fans and the entire community,” Cohen said. “Queens shouldn’t be an exception.”

Max Scherzer… And Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell, the basketball star, is the son of Mets senior director of DEI and Player Relations Donovan Mitchell Sr. He’s a huge Mets (and baseball fan). On the cover reveal announcement of MLB The Show 2023, Mitchell was filling time with Robert Flores before Jazz Chisholm’s cover was eventually unveiled. During the time, he said Max Scherzer challenged him to a one-on-one basketball game. (Scherzer would get mopped, but I enjoy the competitiveness.)

Also, of his beloved New York Mets, Mitchell said the team has “a lot of talent. …  I always trust in Uncle Steve.”