Justin Verlander reveals Mets' mindset after trade to Astros

Justin Verlander echoed former New York Mets teammate Max Scherzer regarding why the former agreed to rejoin the Houston Astros before Tuesday's trade deadline. 

Per John Flanigan of SNY, Verlander told reporters during a Thursday news conference he waived his no-trade clause following discussions he had with Mets general manager Billy Eppler and team owner Steve Cohen. 

"It went similar to Max’s conversation, just the gist of how this year was going and next year had shifted a bit," Verlander explained. "They're more focused on a couple of years, '25 or '26. It would be great to hear if I was a Met for a longer term, but with me only signing for a guaranteed two years, it definitely changes things a little bit." 

Scherzer revealed shortly after he approved a trade to the Texas Rangers that Eppler told him the Mets intend to use 2024 as "a kind of transitory year" as the club looks to contend for more than just a wild-card playoff spot in 2025 and/or 2026. 

"We’re not going to be signing the upper-echelon guys," Eppler reportedly told Scherzer about the club's free-agency plans for this coming winter and spring. 

Verlander signed a two-year, $86.66M contract that includes a vesting third-year option to join the Mets in December. He repeatedly made it known this summer he wanted to stay put and chase a World Series ring with the Amazins, and he suggested Thursday that the return of All-Star closer Edwin Diaz should help the Mets be in the postseason hunt one year from now. 

Diaz suffered a right patellar tendon tear during the World Baseball Classic in March. 

In the end, Verlander made just 16 starts during a Mets tenure he never imagined would end less than a year after it began. Despite all that went wrong for the 2023 edition of the club, the future Hall of Famer only had positive things to say about the organization on Thursday.

"How they treat their players is A+ from top to bottom," Verlander added about the Mets. "Anybody that would ask me about that organization if they had a decision to make I would recommend their organization. Just because it didn’t work out on the field this year doesn’t mean it won’t work out in the future. I wish them, the Mets, and the fanbase nothing but the best." 

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo insisted this week he was told by Eppler the Mets aren't punting on 2024 amid rumors that that All-Star slugger Pete Alonso could be traded if he doesn't sign a contract extension before spring training. Needless to say, there remain more questions than answers as it pertains to the Mets' plans for next season.