My man got off the Dodge!

The New York Mets have already released their superstar starter Max Scherzer to Texas RangersAnd now they’re doing the same with the legendary Justin Verlander, trading him to Houston where he will reunite with the Astros. The blockbuster comes in the midst of a disastrous 2023 season for the Mets.

The trade, confirmed by both the Mets and Astros, would see New York move outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to Houston in exchange for Verlander and cash. Gilbert Was An Astros Player, According To MLB Pipeline most likely candidateClifford, meanwhile, was ranked fourth in H Town’s minor league system.

For the cash consideration in the deal, the Mets will reportedly pay $35.5 million of Verlander’s contract over the next two seasons. New York will hand Houston an additional $17.5 million if Verlander chooses to join the 2025 season on his current deal.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner RHP Justin Verlander and cash from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league OF Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford.

The Astros tapped IF Joe Perez to make room for Verlander on a 40-man roster…

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 1, 2023

Minor league outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford from Houston in exchange for RHP’s Justin Verlander.

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 1, 2023

I don’t blame Justin Verlander for wanting to get out of here and back to Houston.

And speaking of H-Town, I love how the Astros have brought out the ultimate flex. Not only did they bring Verlander back to improve his chances of winning the World Series, but the Mets paid most of his contract just to step back further as a franchise. (Related: Yankees fan arrested red-handed for throwing ice cream and barbecue sauce at rival Mets fan)

This is so funny, and the New York Mets are a funny organization, so it fits.

straight comedy.