As the New York Mets prepare for the 2025 MLB season, their Opening Day rotation has suffered a significant blow. In a series of unfortunate injuries and roster adjustments, the Mets have lost a combined $109 million worth of starting pitching talent, creating a major hole in their otherwise formidable pitching staff.
The losses come at a particularly challenging time for the Mets, as they were looking to build off a strong 2024 season and contend for a playoff spot in 2025. The team had invested heavily in its pitching rotation, with several key players making up the bulk of the Mets’ salary commitments.
Key Injuries and Departures
The Mets were initially hopeful that their big-money pitchers would be able to carry them through the grind of the season. However, several key arms have been sidelined due to a mix of injuries and setbacks that have thrown the team’s plans into disarray.
Max Scherzer, one of the highest-paid pitchers in the game, was slated to anchor the rotation but suffered a significant shoulder injury during spring training, sidelining him for a large portion of the first half of the season. Scherzer’s absence means the Mets will need to find a replacement for his experience and leadership in the rotation.
Alongside Scherzer, Justin Verlander, another prized addition, was also expected to be a cornerstone for the Mets’ pitching staff. But a sudden back injury has forced Verlander to the injured list just days before the season opener. The loss of both Scherzer and Verlander—two future Hall of Famers and marquee signings—is a devastating blow for the Mets.
While both Scherzer and Verlander remain hopeful for a return later in the season, the immediate effects are already being felt in the Mets’ preparations for 2025.
The Financial Impact
Together, Scherzer and Verlander account for a staggering portion of the Mets’ payroll. Scherzer’s contract, worth $43 million in 2025, and Verlander’s $43 million deal represent over $86 million in lost salary from the starting rotation alone. In addition to these two, the Mets are also facing the absence of Kodai Senga, another high-profile pitcher who has been dealing with recurring elbow soreness. Senga’s projected return date remains uncertain, further complicating the team’s plans.
With the combined $109 million worth of lost pitching talent, the Mets are now left scrambling to adjust their rotation. Depth pieces will be called upon to fill the gaps, and the team’s overall pitching strategy will need to shift drastically if they want to stay competitive in the highly competitive National League East.
Looking Ahead
Despite these early setbacks, the Mets aren’t completely out of options. The front office is already exploring potential trades and free-agent signings to bolster the pitching staff in the short term. However, the market for starting pitchers is thin, and any additions would likely come at a premium.
In the meantime, young pitchers and fringe roster players will have to step up and seize their opportunity in the rotation. The likes of David Peterson and Tylor Megill will likely play a pivotal role in the Mets’ pitching plans early in the season, but whether they can carry the load for a full season remains to be seen.
The loss of over $100 million in starting pitching talent is a gut punch for the Mets, but the team’s success will depend on their ability to adapt quickly, manage the injury setbacks, and rely on the remaining depth in their pitching staff. With a roster still loaded with offensive firepower, the Mets may find themselves needing to score more runs than originally anticipated to stay competitive until their aces return to form.
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