Justin Verlander is taking his pitching talents to Queens. The age-defying right-hander reportedly will sign a two-year deal worth $86 million with the New York Mets that includes a third-year option. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports it’s a deal that comes with a $43.33 million average annual value. It’s now tied for all-time record of with new teammate Max Scherzer in MLB history. The future Hall of Famers are reunited just days after Jacob deGrom left New York to sign a five-year deal with the Texas Rangers.
Verlander to Mets. $86M 2 years. Vesting option 3rd year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2022
Justin Verlander’s Career
Verlander will be 40 years old once Spring Training starts. While recovering from Tommy John surgery, he missed the 2021 season but displayed dominance in 2022. Sitting out with an injury led him to win another Cy Young Award. His presence on the mound just shows that he’s still one of baseball’s elite starters thanks to an 18-4 record, 1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 185:29 K:BB in 175 innings. Verlander has pitched in the majors for 17 seasons. He’s an AL Rookie of the Year, the 2011 AL MVP and a three-time Cy Young Award winner. In addition, he’s a nine-time All-Star who’s one of six pitchers in league history to throw three or more no-hitters.
His postseason record comes with a checkered past, but Verlander was named the 2017 ALCS MVP. He allowed an earned run with 10 hits over 16 innings against the New York Yankees. His playoff resume is extensive, with appearing in five World Series in his career. Verlander got his first World Series to win in Game 5 of the 2022 edition against the Philadelphia Phillies. He only gave up a run on four hits with six strikeouts in five innings.
Signing Verlander, who took home his third Cy Young Award in 2022, is a strong replacement at the top of the Mets rotation. Nevertheless, they need to ensure they get enough starting pitching beyond 2023. That way, it doesn’t become an event every offseason of piecing together a rotation.
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Players mentioned:
Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom
