Giants pitcher Justin Verlander’s time with the New York Mets may have been short-lived, but he left the organization with a favorable impression. In a recent discussion with Andy Martino of SNY, Verlander expressed appreciation for how the Mets treat both players and their families, highlighting the team’s positive reputation within the league.
During his brief stance in Queens, Verlander reportedly informed then-teammate Tyler Rogers about how much he would enjoy playing for the Mets, noting that the club has become a sought-after destination. This sentiment reflects a growing acknowledgment of the organization’s supportive environment under owner Steve Cohen.
Verlander initially joined the Mets for the 2023 season on a substantial two-year, $86.7 million contract. However, he was traded to the Houston Astros during the summer deadline. As part of the trade agreement, New York retained responsibility for a significant portion of his salary for 2024 and half of his $35 million salary for 2025. Unfortunately, Verlander did not meet the performance threshold required to trigger a vesting option, as he did not pitch 140 innings in 2024.
Despite being sidelined at the start of the previous season due to shoulder inflammation, which limited him to 17 starts and resulted in an ERA of 8.01, Verlander is looking to make a fresh start. This offseason, he signed with the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $15 million contract, aiming to revitalize his career.
Verlander’s experience with the Mets emphasizes a focus on player welfare that could affect recruiting and retention positively. His belief in the Mets as a preferred team highlights the ongoing transformation of the franchise into a more player-friendly environment.