3 former NY Mets players near the end of their careers getting no free agency buzz

Several former New York Mets players have found new teams. Luis Severino is the most significant from last year’s club to sign a new deal, inking a record-breaking one with the Oakland Athletics. Michael Conforto signed up for a year with the reigning Los Angeles Dodgers after two years with the rival San Francisco Giants.

What about the rest of those former Mets unsigned? Buzz has been all over Pete Alonso. Some bees have appeared near Sean Manaea. These three near the end of their career would, unfortunately, get ignored even if they were covered in pollen.

1) Justin Verlander

After the year he had, Justin Verlander is probably someone who should consider going home to Kate Upton and kicking up his feet for the rest of his days. Verlander was 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts for the Houston Astros. It was by far the worst season of his career. With his 42nd birthday coming early next year, the guy needs to face reality; the end is nigh if not already here.

Verlander might not be the worst choice to be a one year mercenary somewhere. The Mets signed him to be one for two or three years. The experiment ended after 16 starts and much better memories than what he gave the Astros in 2024. Age has caught up to him. It would be one thing if he was coming off of a good year like he was when the Mets signed him fresh from a third Cy Young victory. The situation is much different now. Verlander has little appeal.

The kind of money any team should be willing to even pay Verlander should be minimal. No one could plan to have him for a full season. It’s not a commitment a championship-caliber club should even contemplate.

Want to sell some tickets? Eh, maybe a return to the Detroit Tigers could fill a few seats. The same might be the only hope for this other former Mets player not getting any buzz.