When thinking of Justin Verlander’s career, one probably thinks of either his World Series run with the Astros or his dominance with the Tigers. 

But he also pitched in a forgettable 2023 season for the Mets, hoping to fill the void left by Jacob deGrom’s exit in free agency.

On Monday, he reflected on his brief time in New York. 

“I really fell in love with the city,” Verlander told reporters a day before his final All-Star Game. “It was short, obviously. Didn’t go the way we wanted. There’s a lot of things that were sad about it.

“But the relationship with Steve Cohen and his wife, Alex, how great they were to me and my family. Getting to play that short time in New York was incredible. I still have my apartment in the city.” 

Verlander, who announced last week that he’s retiring after the 2026 season, pitched just half of one season with the Mets, recording a 3.15 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 94 ⅓ innings. 

“There’s not a lot of positives,” the 43-year-old Verlander added of his time in New York. “I made some great relationships there. I think another thing that I appreciate was getting the chance to play with Max [Scherzer] again, kind of rekindle that relationship after some years away. Just a lot of growth.” 

“I remember my daughter like bebopping around the city in her little scooter. Just a lot of, like, life memories there. It was a cool time for me in my life.” 

The Mets went 75-87 in Verlander’s lone season with the team, and he was traded to the Astros at the deadline for prospects Drew Gilbert (now with the Giants) and Ryan Clifford. 

Despite Verlander’s stint with the Mets not being what he envisioned, he’s still built a storied legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of the 21st century. 

He’s pitched to a career 3.33 ERA, been a 10-time All-Star, won three AL Cy Young Awards and won two World Series with the Astros. 

He’s also pitched three no-hitters and led the AL in ERA twice. 

Verlander is back with the Tigers for a final season and was named to Tuesday’s All-Star Game as a “Legend Pick.”