Why Justin Verlander's latest setback could be a major development for Mets

Though Justin Verlander no longer plays for the Mets, the pitcher's former club will likely be monitoring his latest injury setback very closely.

Verlander arrived to Astros spring training several weeks behind his throwing schedule due to a nagging shoulder issue. While the soon-to-be 41-year-old described it as just a "little hiccup," he emphasized how important it is to treat the ailment seriously.

"When I first started playing catch, I usually shut it down for a while, and this time when I shut it down and picked a ball back up my shoulder didn’t feel so great," Verlander said, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "So I kind of had to take a step back and really be diligent about my build-up. I’ve always been somebody who luckily can pick up a ball and start throwing it. This time, it wasn’t quite as easy, so I had to slow down a little bit."

This isn't the first time that Verlander has suffered an injury setback before the start of the season. Just last year, the Mets placed the ace on the injured list with a muscle strain near his right shoulder hours before Opening Day. He eventually made his debut on May 4, making 16 starts for New York before being dealt to the Astros ahead of the trade deadline.

In return for Verlander, the Mets were able to acquire outfielders Ryan Clifford and Drew Gilbert, the Astros' top-ranked prospect. The considerable compensation was largely thanks to owner Steve Cohen's willingness to front money in the deal — New York agreed to pay $25 million of the pitcher's 2024 salary and $17.5 million of his 2025 salary, so long as his option vests.

Verlander's option vests if he pitches 140 innings this season. Upon reaching this threshold, the Mets will be forced to pay half of his $35 million salary in 2025. But if Verlander doesn't reach this number, he will hit free agency and New York won't have to pay a dime.

With Verlander already showing signs of injury and old age, playing in 140 innings this season suddenly feels like a far more difficult task for the veteran.

"I have to be really cautious at how I’m building up," Verlander said. "I guess my body doesn’t respond the same at 40 as it did at 25."