The hot stove continues to roar this MLB offseason, and the New York Mets have figured largely into the equation. After a big day of signings last Friday, they have now made their biggest addition yet. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has agreed to a three-year, $130 million deal with the Mets. After rumblings about a potential deal Sunday night, a source confirmed the signing Monday afternoon to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Max Scherzer Joins Mets
Needless to say, acquiring a pitcher of Scherzer’s caliber is incredible news for the Mets. The future Hall of Famer, even at age 37, possesses phenomenal stuff, and he was as good as ever late last season. After being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers by the struggling Washington Nationals, Mad Max was dominant. In 11 starts with the Dodgers, he went a spotless 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA, a 0.820 WHIP, and an 11.13 K/BB ratio. He finished third in Cy Young voting behind Corbin Burnes and Zack Wheeler.
With the addition of Scherzer, the Mets now have a uniquely formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation. He and Jacob deGrom have five Cy Youngs between them, and having to decide which one will start Opening Day is a good problem to have. Scherzer is closing in on yet another milestone, needing 10 more wins to reach 200 for his career. He reached 3,000 career strikeouts last year, hitting the mark in only his 14th season.
Great Expectations
If Scherzer pitches anything like he did in Los Angeles last summer, the Mets can count on him keeping them in the game. The fact that he is maintaining his dominance, perhaps even improving with age, is a very good sign. In fact, his incredible performance with the Dodgers is likely why the Mets ponied up so much money for him. Also, Scherzer is no stranger to pitching in October, pitching to a 3.22 ERA in 26 postseason appearances (21 starts). He helped the last three teams he pitched for (Detroit, Washington, LA) to LCS appearances, and the former two to World Series appearances, winning with the Nats in 2019.
Max Scherzer would be guaranteed a plaque in Cooperstown if he retired today. It is fairly uncommon that a pitcher his age continues to perform at such a high level. The Mets giving him $43 million/year is an incredible show of faith. They believe in him to pad his already sterling resumé and help them to a title in the process. With him and deGrom anchoring the rotation, it’s fair to expect they’ll be in the mix for the next three years, especially if their offense improves.
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