Mets to save big money from former Ace’s injury-ruined season

The New York Mets already have a significant amount of money coming off the books ahead of the 2025 season, and now they’re going to save even more.

The Houston Astros announced that former Mets ace Justin Verlander will not return from the disabled list until at least the All-Star break, meaning he will not play 140 innings this season. Verlander has spent two separate stints on the disabled list this year due to right shoulder inflammation and now neck discomfort.

That 140-inning trigger would have triggered a $35 million vesting option in 2025 for the three-time AL Cy Young Award winner. Now, the Mets will save a total of $17.5 million, which is significant considering they’re in 110% luxury tax territory.

The Mets signed Verlander to a two-year, $86.6 million deal before the 2023 season and it didn’t work out. Verlander, now 41, was traded to the Astros at the trade deadline last August, and the Mets stuck around to pay $35 million of the remaining $58 million he was owed. But now that the vesting option doesn’t apply, they’ll save $17.5 million, as mentioned earlier.

New York also acquired the Astros’ top prospect, outfielder Drew Gilbert, and their top prospect, first baseman/outfielder Ryan Clifford, in exchange for Verlander.

Last summer, the Mets also traded Max Scherzer, another veteran and multiple Cy Young Award winner, to the Texas Rangers. New York agreed to pay $21 million of Scherzer’s remaining salary.

Being responsible for a large portion of both Scherzer and Verlander deals was one factor in the Mets’ decision to limit their spending ahead of 2024. That said, they should now be well-equipped to return to big-game hunting behind billionaire owner Steve Cohen this winter.