Press conferences for Kodai Senga and Justin Verlander! And there's more to Steve Cohen's investment in the Mets than the roster
The Mets will unveil their two new starting pitchers this week, and Cohen's new investments at Citi Field represent both a re-branding and improved experience at the ballpark
What’s Up with the Mets? 🍎
The Dodgers are reportedly interested in Seth Lugo as potential rotation depth (Ken Rosenthal)
Kodai Senga will be introduced at Citi Field today and he has narrowed down some options for what number he will wear with his new team (Kodai Senga)
The Mets will introduce Justin Verlander at a press conference at Citi Field on Tuesday
Steve Cohen has no regrets about all the money he has spent and is open to continue to spend if that is what it takes to win (NY Post)
Chris Bassitt said his goodbye to Mets fans (Chris Bassitt)
Stories to Read 🔗
The Mets are shopping two veterans, one of which shouldn’t be traded, yet
Four free agent relievers the Mets could consider for their bullpen
Steve Cohen is investing in more than just the ballclub ✍🏻
Kodai Senga is officially in Queens and he posted pictures on his Instagram page of him exploring Citi Field. These simple photos signify a refreshing change in the organization and not just the product on the field.
Senga himself signals a recent change where the Mets have been hesitant to spend big in the international market. Hopefully this is just the start and the Mets will be more active in those markets going forward.
His signing also showed the league that even after spending alot on free agents, Cohen is not afraid to keep spending aggressively to improve the team.
While those things are important to build a franchise, there are other details from Senga’s pictures that reveal just how far this organization has come in such a short amount of time.
The first is 41 SEAVER WAY.
While the official renaming came under the Wilpon regime, it is a reminder of how heavily Cohen has invested in Mets alumni while the Wilpons did the bare minimum. When the Wilpons realized too late to give Seaver a proper tribute, the current owner seems determined not to make that same mistake. So, the statue of Seaver which had been promised was finally unveiled in an emotional ceremony during the home opener at Citi Field in 2022.
Better late than never of course, but it’s something the Wilpons should have made happen years ago, while Tom was alive for and could be a part of.
Anyway…
Finally with Senga on the mound, the new, improved jumbo scoreboard can be seen in the background. No matter what you might think of it, Cohen is almost as focused on the entertainment aspect of the game as he is on the team itself. In addition, a new club for fans is being built out in right field. Smoke as the team takes the field, Timmy Trumpet, and Mr. and Mrs. Met hijinks all add to further branding of this team. They can be seen as the fun and entertaining team especially compared to their more buttoned-up crosstown rivals.
No matter how bad the Knicks had been in the past, Madison Square Garden is almost always sold out because going to a Knicks game is seen as an “event” when in the city and I think that is the vibe Cohen is going for. Sure, it helps when the team is good the fans will always flock to Citi Field, but going to a Mets game in the future could also be seen as an “event” or a fun night out even for the more casual fan.
Making the Mets entertaining in a genuine way instead of a, Oh Lord what have the Mets done now sort of way, is almost as big as an undertaking as putting a competitive team on the field - Cohen has taken steps to do both which is all anyone can ask for in an owner.
Hot Stove 🔥
Former Met Justin Turner is reportedly signing a two-year deal with the Red Sox (NY Post)
IF Garrett Hampson has signed a minor league deal with the Marlins (Ken Rosenthal)
Free agent OF Michael Brantley has signed a one-year deal with the Astros worth $12 million (Ken Rosenthal)
The Rockies acquired RHP Nick Garcia from the Pirates in exchange for utilityman Connor Joe (Rockies)
The Cubs are close to re-signing LHP Drew Smyly (ESPN)
The Cubs would also like to find a defense-first catcher (Athletic)
The Twins are showing interest in signing AJ Pollock (Athletic)