• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Justin Verlander Latest Deal in MLB Pitching Contract Craze

  • Verlander’s new Mets contract has the second-largest AAV ($43M) in MLB history.
  • That trails only new teammate Max Scherzer ($43.3M).
Justin Verlander speaking to media during a 2022 World Series press conference
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The allure of having elite starting pitching has MLB teams trending towards giving out unprecedented salaries.

On Monday, RHP Justin Verlander agreed to a two-year, $86 million contract with the New York Mets, per Jeff Passan.

Assuming the numbers are accurate, the $43 million average annual value is the second-highest in MLB history — trailing only the three-year, $130 million ($43.3M AAV) deal the Mets signed Max Scherzer to last December.

In fact, the four largest AAVs in MLB history have all been given out in the last three years — and all have gone to elite starting pitchers.

On Friday, the Texas Rangers made a splash by signing Jacob deGrom away from the Mets on a five-year, $185 million ($37M AAV) pact. In 2019, the New York Yankees locked up Gerrit Cole with a nine-year, $324 million ($36M AAV) contract.

How the Astros Won the World Series Without Breaking the Bank

The Astros won the World Series with underpriced talent.
November 6, 2022

At this point, Verlander — a three-time Cy Young winner — is used to the big bucks: The 39-year-old has earned almost $300 million throughout his career and has never signed a contract with an AAV lower than $25 million since clearing arbitration in 2013.

The Mets will be spending $120 million on Verlander, Scherzer, and Francisco Lindor’s contracts alone — already over 50% of this season’s $233-million luxury tax threshold. New York’s tax payroll for its projected Opening Day roster currently stands at $287 million.

Verlander’s arrival in New York will also be a reunion of sorts: He and Scherzer formed the core of the Detroit Tigers’ rotation when both were there from 2010 through 2014.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

World Series Games 1–2 TV Ratings Are Up With U.S., Canada Combined

U.S. viewership is expectedly down, but it is boosted significantly by Canada.

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic World Series Game 3 Sets Up High-Stakes Game 4

Ohtani will start Game 4 on the mound after another epic performance Monday.
Oct 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The 2025 World Series logo on the field at Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium Games Could Push MLB Payouts to Record Highs

The Dodgers’ big ballpark and ticket prices help fuel postseason player pay.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre.

World Series Games Set Ratings Records on Canada’s Sportsnet

Canada continues to watch MLB broadcasts at historic levels.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Aug 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Close up view of the ball and club of Scott Scheffler during the first round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.

From Third Tier to $1M: Michael Brennan’s Surprise PGA Tour Win

The 23-year-old won his first professional start on the PGA Tour.
Terry Rozier
October 24, 2025

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 
Oct 26, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three-point shot in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Frost Bank Center.
October 27, 2025

NBA Betting Scandals Overshadow Wembanyama’s Superstar Leap

Wembanyama is following the path of Shohei Ohtani in MLB.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Oct 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) holds the MVP trophy after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the NLCS during the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.
October 24, 2025

World Series Will Be First to Showcase Ohtani’s Two-Way Skills

The two-way superstar is slated to pitch in the World Series.
Malik Beasley
October 23, 2025

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.
October 22, 2025

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

Wie West is now retired and focused on investing.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”