Christian Scott, the Mets young righty who looks like he could become a rotation staple, takes a swing at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.
Q: How does your mentality change when you take the mound?
A: I like history, I like watching YouTube videos. I like enjoying different kinds of food, and on the mound it’s more of like a kill mentality of, that guy’s trying to take food off my plate, I’m trying to take food off of his. It’s a competition, and it’s a game and it’s my life, really. So it’s definitely more of a competitive attitude, more of a competitive fire. I don’t like to let up.
Q: You can go back in time and face one batter in MLB history to test your skills.
A: Babe Ruth. I want to see what the hype was about. I want to see if my fastball would blow him up (laugh). I respect all the homers that he hit, but this is a new time, and I think I’d have pretty good success, I think so.
Q: Think you can strike the Babe out?
A: I think so (smile). If I could.
Q: Yankee fans are gonna hate you.
A: That’s fine (laugh). They could.
Q: The Subway Series in May.
A: I was here but I didn’t pitch in it.
Q: You might have another chance to in September.
A: I hope so.
Q: What did you notice about the Subway Series?
A: A lot of New York fans going back and forth, you can hear it in the stands, “Let’s Go Yankees, Let’s Go Mets,” so it’s nice to be able to have that in-city rivalry and to be able to go play against them. It’s great for the city so, yeah we love it.
Q: If you’re lucky, maybe [Aaron] Judge won’t be back for the September Subway Series.
A: I want him to be back, yeah, I want to face him, that’d be awesome.
Q: Oh, really?
A: Yeah, of course. You always want to play the best, you don’t want anybody to be hurt, really, so yeah, I’d love to face him, for sure.
Q: How often have you pitched in Yankee Stadium?
A: I haven’t pitched there yet. That’d be awesome to be able to pitch in front of a lot of New York fans as well and pitch against those guys. Grew up watching a lot of these Yankee teams in Yankee Stadium too, so yeah, it’d be nice to be able to pitch there.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during your year away from baseball following Tommy John surgery (September 2024)?
A: I learned that no matter what happens, I’m gonna continue to give my best shot, like even if it’s not the place that I want to be at at the time, I know that no matter what happens, I have a plan and that the plan’s gonna come to fruition. If you really want something, you’re gonna be able to put the time and the effort in. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel of what I wanted to come out of the rehab process, so just putting one foot in front of the other and treating the day to day not as, like, monotonous but, like, excited to do it.
Q: What was the emotional low point of that whole experience?
A: I would say it was really not being able to pick up a baseball for about six months at that point. I would say about a couple of months in, I was like, “Damn, I haven’t really done this in a long time.” It’s tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel at that point when you haven’t even started throwing yet and you know that there’s a whole long process of throwing before you are able to get back into a game … not kinda sulking away, but not being able to really work out, not really being able to throw a baseball, just kinda sitting there and watching TV. I would say that was kind of a low point ’cause I like to be active and kinda like to have a good time too.
Q: The physical low point?
A: I guess it is kinda what I expected to have, a little bit of elbow soreness, obviously, after the surgery, and flying out the next day and landing. It feels like somebody stabbing you in the elbow, it’s not a great feeling. I don’t recommend it on anybody, but that’s something that I knew would happen, and so I kinda had a plan going in. There was never really a point physically that I was like, “I’m in a really bad spot right now.” I’m grateful for that, I had a great surgeon, great rehab staff and I felt they did a really good job taking care of me and setting me up for success. Throughout the whole process, there wasn’t ever really a point that I was nervous about this rehab or that something would go wrong. I was really confident that we were doing the right thing.
Q: One pitcher’s duel in MLB history.
A: I would say Pedro [Martinez]. I played with his son in high school a little bit so he was able to, like, watch some of my bullpens when I was in high school and help kinda give me kind of insight on what pro ball might be like if I got there one day. I know how good he was. I used to watch videos of him growing up.
Q: Where does your poise come from?
A: I’m not sure … it’s kind of who I am as a person. I don’t really like to make things too big, or little things too small. I have my faith, and so I really do believe that I’m here for a reason and no matter what happens, it’s all gonna turn out OK. I know that baseball’s a game, and I’m gonna have a lot of fun while doing it … I feel like I’m at my best when I’m composed and I’m relaxed out there. I feel like that comes from just a lot of trial and error and also pitching in a lot of games and kind of understanding what to expect on the mound.
Q: Would your goal one day to be an ace?
A: Not necessarily. Being an ace comes and goes with results, really. But I just want to win, I just want to be on a winning team, win consistently. I feel like that’s kinda what makes coming to the field fun every day, and being able to do this for a living is a blessing. I don’t take that for granted at all. But being an ace isn’t really what I’m worried about. I’m worried about just going out every day and competing, and if I turn into a guy that they trust me in Game 1 in a playoff game, that’s awesome, that’s great, but whatever situation they need me in, I’ll be able to help out.
Q: What drives you?
A: I would say just my love of the game, really. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid, and just being grateful for this opportunity. If you told me when I was 5 or 6 years old that I’d be able to do this for a living, I’d be overjoyed. I know that baseball clock is short, so I’m trying to take advantage of every moment that I have, and just be myself out there and have a good time.
Q: What pitch have you made the biggest strides with?
A: I would say my cutter, since it’s new. I would say about six months ago we kind of decided this would help a lot against left-handed hitters. And so being able to pick that up pretty quickly was awesome for me and be able to add another tool to my repertoire.
Q: Whatever comes to mind: Nolan McLean.
A: Gamer. I tell people all the time, it’s like I’ve never seen somebody be able to spin the baseball like he can spin it.
Q: (Francisco Alvarez enters the room).
A: Ballplayer. Gamer. Competitor. He heals like nobody I’ve ever seen before. And also, he hits my fastball really far, really hard. I faced him I think twice in spring training and he took me deep both times, so I’m gonna stop throwing him fastballs (laugh), for sure.
Q: Have you faced Juan Soto in spring training?
A: I have faced Soto, yeah. It went a little bit better than Alvarez. I was able to throw a couple of new pitches to Soto — I think he’s the best hitter in the game of baseball, and one of the best hitters ever — and being able to pick his brain after, and, “Hey, what did you see?” His control of the strike zone is otherworldly, so just being able to, like, pick his brain and say like, “Is there anything I can do to make it harder on you?” Just trying to make it as difficult as I can on a hitter.
Q: What is he like in the clubhouse? What kind of teammate is he?
A: He’s really laid-back. He’s a great teammate. Any questions that you have, he’s gonna answer, he’s in a great mood all the time. He’s confident and his presence in the clubhouse is awesome. It gives us, like, a sense of confidence whenever he comes up, like best hitter in baseball’s coming up to hit and, like, everybody knows it. It’s great to be able to have a presence like that in the clubhouse, in the lineup … something we’re looking forward to for a long time.
Q: How do Soto and Francisco Lindor get along?
A: They get along great. Every time they’re in the locker room they get along, talking, having fun, having a good time. I’ve heard the stuff (smile) on social media and all that stuff, but that’s not true in the locker room for us. Just being able to go out there and see those guys compete every day, it’s a lot of fun too. We’re all pulling on the same rope, just trying to win as many games as we can possibly do, so that’s from what I see.
Q: Carson Benge.
A: He’s awesome, man. He’s a ballplayer, he’s a gamer. His ability to be consistent on a day-to-day basis I would say for a young age, his maturity, especially in the batter’s box and in the outfield, he knows how good he is, he’s very confident, and I love that about him. If he has a bad day, he’s gonna be the same as if he’s 5-for-5. He’s a great dude.
Q: A.J. Ewing.
A: He can kinda do it all. He plays unbelievable defense out there, he’s gonna give you 100 percent every time he steps up to the plate, every time he’s running after a ball in the outfield. He’s fast … you want him on your team, you don’t really want to face a guy like that. His control of the strike zone at his age is unbelievable. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and I’m lucky he’s on our team.
Q: Your interim manager Andy Green.
A: I love Andy. He’s honest with you, he’s gonna shoot you straight and I love that. I love the way he challenges me, too. We have a good relationship, he’s had me for most of my minor-league career at the player development side, so he’s kinda seen me come up through the system too and he expects a lot of me and I expect a lot of myself.
Q: You feel for what happened to Carlos Mendoza?
A: Of course, yeah, it’s our fault. At the end of the day, when you don’t win in New York, there’s consequences that come with it. For what he did for me in my career was amazing, so I have nothing but the most gratitude and thanks for that.
Q: Father’s Day has always been special to you.
A: To be able to celebrate my birthday (June 15) with my dad, it’s a lot of fun. My dad’s been a huge part of being able to really be in this position. He’s taught me a lot of lessons, and he was kinda the one that introduced me to baseball, so I owe a lot to him. He’s really helped me on this grind of my baseball career, and doing this for a living. I got one of the best dads in the world. I feel like in the way that he supports me and helps me throughout my life really is something I’m never gonna take for granted.
Q: Did he pitch to you as a kid, or hit against you?
A: He would pitch to me as a kid, he also coached me all the way up until high school, so I was able to play for him. He played college baseball too at St. Leo’s and UCF so he kinda instilled that in me at a young age. He was never really, like, hard on me in terms of baseball. He knows how hard this sport is. When I had a bad game, I know I had a bad game too. I don’t need reminders of how bad I pitched that day (smile), but just to be able be just there listen and be able to help me out through any obstacles that I have, I’m super grateful for.
Q: Did you have fun in Brooklyn (with Cyclones)?
A: I did, yeah. Coney Island was interesting.
Q: Did you go on the rides?
A: I did not do the rides, no. We’d be in the dugout and we’d see the Cyclone (roller coaster) kinda shaking on the way down every once in a while, we’re like, “I don’t really want to go on the Cyclone right now (laugh).” I’ll go around and eat some of the food on Coney Island, but the Cyclone I passed on.
Q: Did you have a Nathan’s hot dog?
A: I did, yeah. It was good. I don’t know how you’re gonna take down 70 of ’em like Joey (Chestnut) does, but it’s a good hot dog.
Q: Do you miss relieving?
A: No, I don’t. I did like relieving at a time. I would throw like three or four times a week in college, it was tiring for sure. Being able to have a little bit of a better routine as a starter, I’ve enjoyed it. I like the challenge of getting through a lineup two or three times. It’s tough to do. I like the challenge of that on a day-to-day basis and like knowing who you’re gonna face a couple of days in advance and be able to scout them and really watch some video and really create a plan in order to get the lineup out a couple of times, that’s kinda what I look forward to.
Q: Favorite players growing up.
A: Dustin Pedroia; Pedro Martinez; José Fernández.
Q: All-Star Game memories?
A: When there was an All-Star Game in Miami (2017), I went to that one, saw the Futures Game, I think Vladdy (Guerrero) Jr. played in that one, I think Bo (Bichette) might have played in that one too.
Q: You have a winless streak that was the second-longest career-opening drought for a pitcher.
A: Yeah, it’s unfortunate, huh (smile)? It’s part of the game really. I feel like there’s been a lot of times where I could have gotten a win but I didn’t pitch long enough in a game, or I pitched well enough but we didn’t have the lead going into the sixth or seventh or whatnot. … It’s a stat that a lot of my friends say, “Hey, you’re in the record book for something (laugh).”
Q: You hit two home runs in one inning once.
A: MJ (Melendez) is definitely aware of it ’cause that was against his team in high school. I tell him that every once in a while when he mentions that I can’t hit (smile), I give him a little reminder of … he saw it firsthand (laugh). What wasn’t told in that story is I gave up four runs on the mound before that, so it’s cool to be able to go out there and help yourself out a little bit with two home runs in an inning.
Q: Why did you choose to go to Florida?
A: I really liked the academic part of it too. It was kinda like a perfect storm going there. I was a Miami fan growing up, but I visited both campuses and Florida was definitely the right option for me.
Q: Giannis to the Heat?
A: That’s awesome. I’m a Heat fan, too, going back to I remember “The Decision” that LeBron had when I was younger but it just feels like it’s a great place to go play, and Heat fans are always into the games and always selling it out, so it’ll be a lot of fun.
Q: The Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups (2024 and 2025).
A: It took long enough (smile), they were struggling for a long time, but it’s nice to be able to have that and build the sport of hockey in South Florida. Having the Winter Classic there last year too was awesome.
Q: Did you go to any of the playoff games?
A: Yeah, when I was hurt, I actually went to the (2025) Stanley Cup Final when they won, I was there with my dad and my brother, so to be able to go to all the games that they lost when I was growing up and then go to that one was a cool full-circle moment for me and my dad and my brothers to go to. Yeah, it was a lot of fun.
Q: Three dinner guests.
A: Jesus; Alexander The Great; Napoleon.
Q: Why Napoleon?
A: I’m interested in war history. I like watching YouTube videos about it, so people that have, like, conquered a lot of territory and kind of done really good in war, those are people that are interesting.
MEts merch shop
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
Q: Favorite movie.
A: Saving Private Ryan.
Q: Favorite actor.
A: Leonardo DiCaprio.
Q: Favorite actress.
A: Margot Robbie.
Q: Favorite entertainer.
A: Usher.
Q: Favorite meal.
A: Steak and rice.
Q: What did you think of the Knicks?
A: I went to dinner in the city, everywhere you look they got a Brunson jersey on. What they mean to the city and how they bring people together, I think it’s awesome. Brunson is gonna be mentioned in categories with Eli and Jeter and guys like that. Being able to be a big staple for New York and help ’em win championships, people don’t forget that.
Q: You don’t have a Brunson 11 jersey yet?
A: I don’t yet. I want to get my hands on one, though. It might be harder now.
Q: Your message to Mets fans.
A: I appreciate all the support that you’ve given me throughout my career. You guys are the best fans in the world, and we love playing in front of you guys.
Q: New York doesn’t scare you, does it?
A: No, I love New York. It is a little bit tougher to play than most places. You gotta have some tough skin, but I love New York, I love the fans. When you’re not playing good, they’re gonna let you know. That’s just how I like it. When I’m playing good, I know I’m playing good. When I’m not playing good, I know when I’m not playing good. I try to be as consistent as I can on the mound and give it my 100 percent every single time I’m out there. There’s gonna be good days, and there’s gonna be bad days but they’re gonna let you know, and I love that.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
