Fans rip into New York Mets writer for staking claim that Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer will remain in Queens

Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander
Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander

If you combine the ages of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, you get a cumulative figure of 78. If you combine the sums that each is set to earn pitching for the Mets this season, your answer is $86 million.

On paper, the logic of signing two pitchers in the dusks of their respective careers is questionable. However, these are not ordinary pitchers. Between them, they boast an unbelievable seven Cy Young Awards, three World Series rings, and a Rookie of the Year Award.

When billionaire owner Steve Cohen took the reigns in 2020, he made it his mission to retain talent with big figures. After signing Max Scherzer to a three-year, $129 million in 2022, Cohen broke his own record by signing Verlander to a contract of the same annual value just a year later.

Despite the mammoth amount of money being thrown around, things are not panning out. Verlander has a record of 4-5 with a 3.87 ERA, while Scherzer's 8-4 record is marred by a 4.20 ERA. With the New York Mets well out of contention, talk has surfaced that one, or both of the pitchers could be on the trading block, a fact that at least one MLB analyst doubts.

"Mets are trending sell, and the names of Verlander and Scherzer will come up in rumors, but here are many difficulties in dealing them (especially Max). In here, Verlander comments on possible trade, Scherzer comments more on the question (“click bait!”)" - Jon Heyman

In a recent piece for the New York Post, writer Jon Heyman made the case that neither one will be departing Queens on or before the August 1 trade deadline. Heyman even managed to get cryptic quotes from both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander as supporting arguments for his case. Fans, however, are not convinced.

With a record of 46-53, the Mets now stand 18.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Despite winning 100 games last season for the first time since 1988, fans view 2023 as all but already over.

The pressure has been turned up on GM Billy Eppler to sort out what many see as excess baggage. Max Scherzer, under a three-year deal, and Justin Verlander, who penned a two-season contract, will both be free to walk at the end of 2024.

Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander cannot trade off their names forever

This is not the 2019 Washington Nationals or the 2012 Detroit Tigers, this is the 2023 New York Mets.

While having big names like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander in the lineup helps with early-season ticket sales, the cost of carrying them might be too much, even for Steve Cohen.

Hopefully, the Mets' front office finds a solution soon, or they will have to forever hold their peace.

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Edited by Adrian Dorney
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