Mets RHP Marcus Stroman wasn't dominant last season after being acquired from the Blue Jays in July, but he was pretty good after a bit of a shaky start, posting a 3.77 ERA in 59 innings while striking out 9.1 batters per 9.
That strikeout rate was a huge increase from what it was earlier in 2019 with the Blue Jays, and continuing to ring guys up is something Stroman is focusing on in 2020.
He'll also be trying to cut down on his walks, with too many of them late last season helping to lead to a 1.47 WHIP during his time with the Mets.
One of the things Stroman never lacks is confidence in himself, and he's expecting big things in 2020, which is his last season before hitting free agency.
"I know that when I'm at a good place there mentally I know that I'm pretty much unstoppable," Stroman said Thursday at Mets camp. "So that's kinda the biggest thing that I'm always focusing on. ... To be honest with you, my confidence never wavers, ever. I think I'm the best on the field whenever I'm out there always. That's how I was raised from my father and that's how I'll continue to be. Confidence stays the same no matter what."
And Stroman thinks that confidence will lead to dominance.
"I'm excited for this year. I think I should be good, really good," Stroman said. "I think I should be dominant. I put in a lot of work in the offseason and my stuff is moving all over the place. I'm excited to go out and compete with the team we have, which is pretty incredible."
Stroman, who didn't want to get into it when asked about the Astros' sign-stealing scandal and recent comments from their front office and players (he was recently critcal of Alex Cora, who was once critical of him), also weighed in on the hire of Luis Rojas.
"Everyone loved Rojas," Stroman said. "Kind of seemed like everyone wanted him to be the manager once that spot was kind of vacated. So to see it play out like that is just kind of assurance and reaffirms to everybody in the clubhouse that they love the pick. ... I'm excited. He's amazing. Just his ability to connect with you and break down the game with you while not being overwhelming -- he has unbelievable feel. I think he's gonna be a great manager for many years to come and I'm excited to play for him."