The free agent market continues to draw massive attention around the league. Various names have been thrown around, from hot bats to electric arms. The New York Yankees have been involved in the conversation about free agent Max Scherzer. Could the veteran add value in the Bronx?
Scherzer has been linked to various teams through confirmed dealings and speculation. The Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the New York Mets have been linked to Scherzer.
Both the Phillies and the Yankees were allegedly in attendance to scout the veteran in a bullpen showing.
The Blue Jays are also dabbling in other free agents, which could make the Yankees nervous if they were successful with Scherzer. The veteran pitcher had already spent one and a half seasons with the Mets.
Scherzer has experience pitching in New York City. He could very well be valuable in the Bronx, more than he would be in Queens. How would he help the Yankees?
The Impact of a Veteran Free Agent Pitcher on the AL East Champs
The Yankees went into the postseason with a very young, novice-type roster. Yes, the Bronx Bombers employed some very experienced players during this postseason run, but most of the squad was newer blood.
Fortunately, the team collectively went on a long ride to the World Series. Unfortunately, they lost to a team with that experience and knowledge.
Being mentally prepared for such pressure is tough unless guidance is present and available.
Compared to Scherzer, the Yankees rotation still craves the postseason experience he retains. Scherzer could be very beneficial in guiding the new generation of pitchers occupying the Bronx mound. He could also guide the entirety of the team.
Scherzer is a three-time Cy-Young winner and has been to eight all-star games. He has played in the major leagues for 17 years and has been in the postseason for 10 of those years.
Scherzer has been to the National League Wild Card Series three times, the National League Division Series four times, and the National League Championship two times.
He’s been to both the American League Division Series and Championship Series four times and to the World Series three times. Scherzer won the World Series in 2019 with the Washington Nationals and in 2023 with the Texas Rangers.
Statistics and Expectations
Scherzer seems to be slowing down based on game depth and effectiveness. His repertoire is still diverse and workable; however, barreling down on the use of specific pitches may need to be his approach going forward.
In 2024, the veteran threw limited innings. He finished with a 2-4 record in nine starts, and 43 and 1 / 3 innings pitched. The veteran struck out 40 and walked 10 hitters.
In his full depth of work, Scherzer will fill up his strikeout statistic section. In 2023, the veteran recorded 174 strikeouts, only walking 45 hitters.
When the eight-time all-star gets his full dose of a season, he’s usually seeing 110-plus innings with 20 average starts.
Where Does Scherzer Fit Into the Yankees Staff?
You’d automatically have to give him a starting role based on who he is. Spring training would be the ideal decision-maker for such a situation. As a starter, he would be on managed innings with shorter starts.
The Yankees have six options for a four-person starting rotation. Although Marcus Stroman is still a Yankee, that could change, opening a spot.
The Yankees could also follow the Tampa Bay Rays’ strategy and start their fifth or sixth man for three innings, summoning Scherzer for the long run.
It would be tough to fit the 40-year-old veteran into a young, elaborate Yankees rotation. However, his presence alone, along with his intensity and knowledge, will add great substance to an eager Yankees bunch.
Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
