Mets news: Steve Cohen forced to empty his pockets for Jacob deGrom’s replacement

The New York Mets have replaced Jacob deGrom in the best way they can, signing Justin Verlander to a two-year deal.

The Mets have replaced Jacob deGrom within days, signing Justin Verlander fresh off an AL Cy Young season.

The Houston Astros have a young, healthy rotation, thus making Verlander expendable in their eyes. JV had an ERA under 2.00 last season. He’s just one season removed from Tommy John surgery.

Steve Cohen and Co. were forced into action after losing deGrom to the Texas Rangers, who signed the ailing pitcher to a deal they would never match. deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract, whereas the Mets never offered more than three years at $40 million AAV.

It simply wasn’t a match, hence New York’s need to bring in Verlander.

What do the Mets gain in Justin Verlander?

In Justin Verlander, New York has brought one of the longtime MLB aces to Queens. JV has three Cy Youngs and an MVP to his name, and heading into his age-40 season, appears to only be getting better fresh off Tommy John surgery.

Verlander is not Nolan Ryan, but he’s arguably pitching just like him at an advanced age.

In 2022, Verlander set several career highs. He’s a machine. With JV in tow, New York now features both he and Max Scherzer at the top of the starting rotation. The rest of this group still needs figuring out, as their rotation depth is in question behind the newly-reunited two-headed monster that is former (and now current) teammates Verlander and Scherzer.

Chris Bassitt remains a free agent. New York entered talks with Jameson Taillon, but it remains to be seen if he would switch NYC allegiances and head to Queens.

The Mets have a busy offseason ahead of them, even after inking one of the best pitchers in baseball.