On Sunday, the Mets shocked most of the baseball world by acquiring Marcus Stroman from the Toronto Blue Jays.

On Wednesday, their prized addition joined the team in Chicago and met with reporters in person for the first time in Mets' blue and orange, and he's got lofty expectations for what his new club can accomplish this season.

"It's been pretty crazy," Stroman said about the past few days. "It's definitely been a whirlwind. I'm excited to be here and throw my bullpen and get settled, and looking forward to making the playoffs this year and chasing that."

Even after the Mets brought Stroman into the fold, questions persisted about what direction the team would head in during the remaining hours of the open trade period. But the Mets' decided to hold on to their key pieces that had popped up in rumors, and Stroman is eager to see what the Mets' rotation can accomplish.

"I'm excited. I was praying we didn't trade any of those guys who were being rumored about, (Zack) Wheeler and (Noah) Syndergaard, because I truly think that we can have the best staff in all of baseball," Stroman said. "It's extremely special. I think it's already one of the best staffs in baseball, and I hope to come in and just add to that.

"I've always been a huge fan of the entire staff. They've had one of the best staffs in baseball for the last few years. (Jacob DeGrom) I think is the best pitcher in baseball, I've said that to everybody that's asked me. … To be in his presence and be around him, I'm just looking to learn as much as I can."

Stroman last started for Toronto exactly one week ago on July 24, but despite the long layoff in between starts, the 28-year-old says he'll be more than ready for his Mets debut on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

"It's tough, but I'll be good. I'm not worried about it," Stroman said. "I go out there and compete at the highest level each and every time, and I'll be able to kind of manage. I threw an extended bullpen today because it's been a week since I've thrown, but I'll be ready to go Saturday."

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