Back in early December of 2022, Justin Verlander agreed to a two-year $86 million contract with the New York Mets. Yesterday, he made his first start as a Met, after being activated off the IL.
Verlander was off to a shaky start, but settled in nicely after the first inning. Verlander's final line was 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 SO, with a 3.60 ERA. Although his Mets debut was a successful one, his offense went silent, not being able to pick him up.
The Mets are off to a shaky 2023. They find themselves playing .500 ball with a record of 16-16, sitting in 3rd place in the NL East. Verlander's return marks a significant boost to this pitching staff and the Mets will look to right the ship with returning players from the IL.
The Mets are obviously banged up a bit, which is not what the club expected heading into 2023. They currently have the second most value in their injured reserve, behind their cross-town rival, New York Yankees. Of their $345 million payroll, $102 million is currently off the field.