MLB insider unsure whether former rivals Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer can put their differences aside in Mets

Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer will share the same dugout once again. Verlander's move to the New York Mets reunites him with Max Scherzer, his former teammate with the Detroit Tigers.

Verlander and Scherzer spent five seasons with the Tigers from 2010 to 2014. However, they weren't exactly the best of friends during their stint together, as Jon Heyman wrote in his New York Post column:

"The relationship was allegedly frosty in Detroit, and friends say not to expect a genuine lovefest."

Verlander also reportedly spoke to Scherzer before making the move to New York. When asked about the prospect of playing alongside Scherzer after eight years, Verlander gave a mature response:

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity [of being reunited with Max],” Verlander said. “I can’t speak for Max, but I look at that time [in Detroit] and it was two young men trying to establish their foothold in the game. I wish we were able to win it all back then.

“You look forward now, almost a decade later, and I think both of us are in a great place professionally. We know ourselves better. We are mature men with families.

"To be able to have that perspective can only help the situation, move forward in this new organization together. Both of us, I know myself, would love nothing more than to see each other … successful and pull off a World Series championship with the Mets.”

Heyman believes that despite their personal differences, both players will only have one thing on their minds - adding to their World Series win tally. He wrote:

"Both are focused on adding to their ring totals (Verlander has two, Scherzer one) and certainly smart enough not to let anything detract from their $490M team ($380M payroll, $110M tax)."

Justin Verlander's success with the Houston Astros

Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts after throwing a no hitter at the end of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 01, 2019 .

After 12 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander joined the Houston Astros in 2017. He had a trophy-laden stint with the Astros, winning the World Series twice in 2017 and 2022.

The second was arguably more special, rounding off a remarkable comeback post his Tommy John surgery in September 2020. He also won two Cy Young Awards in 2019 and 2022, the second and third of his incredible MLB career.

We will see if Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer can build a better relationship in the upcoming season.