Justin Verlander (40) returned to the Houston Astros of the Major League Baseball after nine months.

MLB.com reported on the 2nd (Korean time), “The New York Mets sent Verlander to Houston and traded for outfielders Drew Gilbert (22) and Ryan Clifford (20).”메이저놀이터

Verlander, who broke up with Houston on November 10 last year as a free agent (FA), returned to Houston after about nine months.

Verlander signed a two-year, $86 million contract with the Mets ahead of the 2023 season. A “vesting option,” which automatically concludes a $35 million contract in 2025 if the conditions are met, is also included in the contract.

The Mets agreed to send Verlander to Houston and compensate him for $35 million of his remaining annual salary on a two-year contract. If the vesting option runs in 2025, the Mets will pay an additional $17.5 million.

Verlander is the best pitcher in active service who has won the Cy Young Award three times (2011, 2019, 2022). He went 6-5 this season with a 3.15 earned run average. His individual career record is 250 wins and 138 losses with a 3.24 earned run average.

Scherzer to move to Texas from New York Mets

The Mets, who sent Max Scherzer (39) to the Texas Rangers, also traded Verlander.

By sending Scherzer and Verlander, who tied for first place in the major league salary ($43.33 million) this season, almost simultaneously, the Mets erased their regrets about the 2023 season.

Ahead of the 2023 season, the Mets attracted players with aggressive investments.

The acquisition of Verlander and Scherzer was also news that shook the major leagues.

However, the two left the Mets without completing a full season.

The Mets are 50-55, sitting fourth in the National League East.

The Mets, who acknowledged their “investment failure,” changed their attitude to “seller” this summer and sent out all of the highest-paid one-two punches.

Coincidentally, Texas, which acquired Scherzer, and Houston, which acquired Verlander, are fighting for the lead in the American League West.