“Thanks to Steven and Alex Cohen for bringing me here to New York”

The New York Mets made one of the biggest signings of the offseason by adding Justin Verlander. Reigning American League winner Cy Young and World Series champion is one of baseball’s best pitchers.

When he accepted the Cy Young Award at the Baseball Writers Association of America awards banquet, he couldn’t help but salute his new team.

According to SNY, he said:

“I’ve had the pleasure of playing for great Hall of Fame managers in my career and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play for – in my opinion – another one, so thank you. I’m very excited to start this next chapter of my career with the Mets as well. Thanks to Steven and Alex Cohen for bringing me here to New York.

He continued:

“Early on, I think Steve and Billy contacted each other very early on and expressed interest. And I had a great conversation with Steve in the first week or so of my free agency, and we really didn’t not much talk about baseball.

“It was more about getting to know each other, and it gave me such a positive vibe for his vision for this franchise and that he wants to make this franchise amazing.”

Verlander is clearly happy with the Mets and is very happy to get to know manager Buck Showalter and everyone else on the team. He’s only contracted for two more seasons, but at his age these could be his last years.

Will the Mets win a World Series with Justin Verlander?

For Justin Verlander, it’s good that he ended up with the Mets. He might have a chance to come out on top as he also gave the team credit for chasing a championship:

“Following that up, talking with Billy and the rest of the staff – Buck – they all share the same vision and passion to do whatever it takes to make this a championship caliber organization again. And really, that’s what happened for me, I wanted to be part of that vision moving forward.

“Obviously this organization took a giant leap forward last year, had a great season. I think that will only continue in the right direction.”

The Mets are currently not the big favorites to win the World Series, but they are one of the teams to watch.