The Mets traded for Marcus Stroman in July and, with Jeff McNeil already wearing the No. 6 jersey the pitcher had with the Blue Jays, assigned him No. 7 instead.

Friday night, the Long Island native tweeted that he'll be clad in a new number when he takes the mound for the Mets in 2020. Though he didn't say what that number will be, he's making the switch to pay homage to a longtime Mets favorite, Jose Reyes.

Grew up watching the passion and energy of @lamelaza_7 at Shea Stadium. Also, loved playing with him. With that being said, I don't feel right wearing his number because of the incredible career he had in a @Mets uniform. Excited to switch numbers and compete in Queens next year!
- Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) October 11, 2019

Reyes and Stroman were teammates in Toronto for parts of three seasons from 2013-2015.

But the question remains: What number will we see Stroman in next season? The logical guess would be a return to the No. 6, of course. Not only did he wear it for five seasons with the Blue Jays (he wore No. 54 as a rookie in 2014), but it also remains featured in his all-important Twitter handle.

So naturally, Twitter being Twitter, Stroman was asked if he'd try to strongarm McNeil off of his jersey number. But according to the right-hander, the No. 6 is McNeil's to keep.

Never. My guy is a savage and an all-star. He deserves that number!
- Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) October 11, 2019

There was no immediate word on whether Timo Perez was also a factor in Stroman's decision to not wear the number.

HARPER: Mets not likely to hire a manager without experience >> Read More

CERRONE: Ranking MLB's managerial openings, predicting who lands with the Mets and the seven other teams >> Read More

Popular in the Community