Morning Briefing: Justin Verlander Talks About Mets Trade
Good morning, Mets fans!
Speaking for the first time since the trade to Houston, former Mets pitcher Justin Verlander remarked about the trade and his experience with the team and how Mets management handled the situation leading up to the deadline. Verlander appreciated the transparency and honesty shown by the Mets in their dealings. Before the trade deadline, he had discussions with general manager Billy Eppler and owner Steve Cohen, and they reaffirmed the team’s new direction, which they had previously communicated to him. When asked about the Mets, Verlander stated that:
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for their organization and how they treat their players. A+ from top to bottom. And anybody that would ask me about that organization, if they had a decision to make, I would recommend their organization.”
Now onto the morning briefing!
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
This week, the New York Mets arrived in Kansas City with a revamped roster following the trade deadline, where they sold their two top pitchers. Unfortunately, the Mets faced a brutal series, getting swept by the Kansas City Royals, who hold the second-worst record in MLB. Yesterday, pitcher Carlos Carrasco had a challenging outing, failing to register a single strikeout, while the team’s offense struggled throughout the afternoon, resulting in a decisive 9-2 loss for the Mets. For more on this game, check out our recap.
For the second consecutive year and third time overall, outfielder Brandon Nimmo has been named the recipient of the Mets’ Heart & Hustle Award. This award honors a player from each Major League team who exemplifies an unwavering passion for the game of baseball and embodies its cherished values, spirit, and traditions.
Luke Voit has decided to opt out of his contract with the Mets. During his time with Triple-A Syracuse, he showcased his power-hitting ability, blasting 14 home runs in just 37 games. This move allows him to explore opportunities with other teams and pursue a new path in his baseball career.
The team assignments for the 2023 Arizona Fall League have been finalized, and the New York Mets will be affiliated with the Glendale Desert Dogs.
As reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Starling Marte, who has been dealing with migraines, and Brandon Nimmo, who has been experiencing left quad tightness, are both anticipated to make their return to the lineup this weekend in Baltimore. The expected timeframe for their return is likely the first game of the series. Regarding Marte’s condition, he has access to medication to manage migraines if they occur again in the future. However, there are currently no specific preventative measures available to mitigate the likelihood of migraines.
Ryan Clifford, who was part of the Justin Verlander trade from Houston, wasted no time making an impact in the Mets’ organization, as he launched a two-run home run in his very first at-bat with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. In an impressive performance, the 20-year-old went 2-for-3 with a home run, two walks, two runs batted in, and two runs scored.
Ryan Clifford (Justin Verlander trade) had a huge debut in the Mets system with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones:
2-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 2 R
The 20-year-old has 19 home runs on the season.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 4, 2023
The Mets’ focus on a long-term future leaves some players uncertain, but Adam Ottavino intends to try and stay with the team, embracing team owner Steve Cohen’s vision. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com goes in-depth on why the back-end reliever wants to be in Queens when the Mets turn it around.
Latest MLB News
According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Minnesota Twins have decided to select the contract of pitcher Dallas Keuchel. In a corresponding move, Joe Ryan will be placed on the injured list due to a left groin strain.
As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Red Sox and Marlins engaged in significant discussions about a potential Justin Turner trade. However, it appears that Boston didn’t stop there, as they also inquired about the possibility of acquiring Justin Verlander, showing interest in bolstering their roster with high-profile players.
The Seattle Mariners have added right-handed pitcher Ryder Ryan to their 40-man roster. Following this move, he has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Previously, Ryan was acquired by the Mets, from Cleveland in 2017 for outfielder Jay Bruce.
Latest on MMO
In a MMO Exclusive, Mathew Brownstein chats with Mets prospect Jett Williams.
The latest Mets Minors Recap highlights Luisangel Acuña‘s first hit in the Mets organization and Jacob Reimer‘s big day with the Cyclones along with other standout performances!
On This Date In Mets History
1982: On August 4, 1982, Joel Youngblood began the day as a New York Met and ended it as a member of the Montreal Expos. During the afternoon game against the Cubs, he got a hit and drove in two runs for the Mets. Unbeknownst to him, while he was batting, the Mets’ general manager was finalizing a trade that sent him to the Expos. He was taken out of the game and immediately flown to Montreal. There, in the evening game against the Phillies, Youngblood got another hit, making him the only player in MLB history to get hits for two different teams in a single day, facing two Hall of Fame pitchers, which were Fergie Jenkins and Steve Carlton.
Birthdays: Steve Bieser (56), Cleon Jones (81)
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