The stove is heating up!
Another domino has fallen in the starting pitching market.
Moments ago, it was revealed that the New York Mets had signed veteran right-hander and American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander to a contract.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal is worth two years and $86 million.
It also includes a vesting option for a third year.
Verlander won 18 games in 28 starts during the regular season with the World Series champion Houston Astros, posting an MLB-best ERA of 1.75.
Verlander now rejoins his former Detroit Tigers teammate Max Scherzer, this time at the top of the Mets starting rotation.
Justin Verlander’s deal with the Mets is for two years and $86 million, per source. It includes a vesting third-year option. After losing Jacob deGrom, the Mets replace him with the American League Cy Young Award winner, who will be paired atop their rotation with Max Scherzer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2022
Mets Sign Justin Verlander
Just three days after losing their ace Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers, the Mets have struck back and added yet another ace to their staff.
This is a huge move for the Mets, especially after losing deGrom.
Verlander, 39, bounced back after missing almost a full two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, returning to form in his final season with the Astros.
The right-hander won Game 5 of the World Series with the Astros against the Mets’ NL East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies.
With the latest move, the Mets have staked a claim in the NL East.
The team won 101 games during the regular season, but ended the season on a down note after losing a 10.5-game lead in the division to the Atlanta Braves.
New York also fell in the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres.
The Winter Meetings have started on the right foot, with more moves soon to follow.
NEXT: Mets Fans Find A Silver Lining To Losing Jacob deGrom
