{"id":59974,"date":"2023-07-30T13:00:24","date_gmt":"2023-07-30T17:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=59974"},"modified":"2023-07-30T11:58:40","modified_gmt":"2023-07-30T15:58:40","slug":"scherzer-to-the-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/30\/scherzer-to-the-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"Scherzer to the Rangers: Fantasy Baseball Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recent announcement of Max Scherzer&#8217;s trade to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/29\/scherzer-trade-mets-rangers\/\" target=\"_self\">Texas Rangers<\/a> has sent shockwaves through the Major League Baseball community. Yet, amid the debates and fan excitement, one question lingers for those invested in the world of fantasy baseball: Could this move be a genuine game-changer?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=&#8221;bbm\/texas_rangers&#8221; size=&#8221;350&#215;300&#8243; site_id=&#8221;lastwordonsports&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As high-profile trades go, this one carries more intrigue than most. Scherzer, a future hall-of-famer with a track record of excellence, joining the Rangers presents an intriguing set of possibilities, especially for fantasy league participants.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we will take a level-headed approach to assess the potential impact of Scherzer&#8217;s move to Texas. From examining his new team dynamics to how the shift may affect his stats, we&#8217;ll provide a thoughtful perspective on what fantasy baseball owners need to know. Join us as we explore whether Scherzer to the Rangers is indeed a game-changing moment, or if caution and tempered expectations are in order.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The trade details are in.<\/p>\n<p>Texas receives:<br \/>&#8211; Max Scherzer <br \/>&#8211; Coverage on all but $22,500,000 of his remaining contract<\/p>\n<p>New York receives:<br \/>&#8211; Luisangel Acu\u00f1a <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FpYo9jy4K4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/FpYo9jy4K4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Michael Bier (@MichaelJBier) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MichaelJBier\/status\/1685452589700096000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Scherzer to the Rangers: A Game-Changer in Fantasy Baseball?<\/h2>\n<h3>Difficulty of Remaining Schedule<\/h3>\n<p>Scherzer&#8217;s 2022 ERA of 2.89 may be hard to replicate, but certain factors could favor him in Texas. According to Tankathon, the Rangers&#8217; remaining schedule is more favorable than that of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/29\/the-mets-offseason-bullpen\/\" target=\"_self\">Mets<\/a>&#8216;. Pre-trade, Scherzer and the Mets would have faced teams with an average winning percentage of .518, including challenging series against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/06\/jackson-holliday-prospect-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Orioles<\/a>, Rangers, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/30\/phillies-trade-deadline-scenarios\/\" target=\"_self\">Phillies<\/a>, and two against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/18\/ronald-acuna-jr-40-40-club\/\" target=\"_self\">Braves<\/a>. Post-trade, Scherzer&#8217;s opponents have an average winning percentage of .491, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/17\/blue-jays-trade-deadline-options\/\" target=\"_self\">Blue Jays<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/24\/astros-pitcher-j-p-france\/\" target=\"_self\">Astros<\/a> among the tougher matchups.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;Difficult&#8221; Remaining Games for the Mets (29): 7x Braves, 3x Orioles, 3x Rangers, 7x Phillies, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/29\/david-bell-extension\/\" target=\"_self\">Reds<\/a>, and 6x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/22\/miami-marlins-biggest-surprise\/\" target=\"_self\">Marlins<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Easy&#8221; Remaining Games for the Mets (14): 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/01\/30\/zack-greinke-kansas-city-royals\/\" target=\"_self\">Royals<\/a>, 4x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/03\/strasburg-news-nationals\/\" target=\"_self\">Nationals<\/a>, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/28\/pirates-bednar-trade-interest\/\" target=\"_self\">Pirates<\/a>, and 4x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/23\/jordan-montgomery-trade-destinations\/\" target=\"_self\">Cardinals<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Difficult&#8221; Remaining Games for the Rangers (19): 4x Blue Jays, 3x Astros, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/22\/brewers-christian-yelich-return\/\" target=\"_self\">Brewers<\/a>, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/25\/kike-hernandez-red-sox\/\" target=\"_self\">Red Sox<\/a>, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/28\/marco-luciano-fit-giants\/\" target=\"_self\">Giants<\/a>, and 3x Marlins<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Easy&#8221; Remaining Games for the Rangers (14): 6x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/15\/reverse-boycott-oakland-mlb\/\" target=\"_self\">Athletics<\/a>, 3x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/07\/28\/dodgers-trade-pitchers\/\" target=\"_self\">White Sox<\/a>, 3x Mets, and 2x <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/06\/17\/fernando-tatis-jr-five-tool-night\/\" target=\"_self\">Padres<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Ball Park Factors<\/h3>\n<p>The move from Citi Field to Globe Life Field is another essential aspect to consider in evaluating Scherzer&#8217;s trade to the Rangers. Both stadiums have unique characteristics that can influence a pitcher&#8217;s performance, and understanding these nuances is vital for fantasy baseball owners.<\/p>\n<h4>1. Home Runs (HR)<\/h4>\n<p>Globe Life Field: 14% above league average<\/p>\n<p>Citi Field: 3% below league average<\/p>\n<p><strong>Analysis<\/strong>: The significant difference in home run factors between the two parks could be a concern for Scherzer. Globe Life Field&#8217;s tendency to boost home runs may lead to an increase in Scherzer&#8217;s home run rate, potentially affecting his ERA and WHIP. \u00a0Considering Scherzer has given up the fifth most home runs so far, while only pitching 107 2\/3 innings, there could be a noticeable uptick in home runs surrendered in the second half for the ace.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">WSH @ NYM<br \/>July 28, 2023<\/p>\n<p>Luis Garcia (6) Solo Home Run<br \/>EV: 100.9 MPH<br \/>Launch Angle: 30\u00b0<br \/>Distance: 406&#39;<\/p>\n<p>Pitcher: Max Scherzer, 93.6mph Four-Seam Fastball [2441 RPM]<br \/>7th Inning<\/p>\n<p>Scherzer is my favorite player <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/iWrAZm4bOE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/iWrAZm4bOE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Nats Fan (@Nats_HRs) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Nats_HRs\/status\/1685114712743104512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 29, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h4>2. Batting Average (BA) and Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA)<\/h4>\n<p>Globe Life Field: BA at league average, wOBA 2% above<\/p>\n<p>Citi Field: BA 6% below league average, wOBA 5% below<\/p>\n<p><strong>Analysis<\/strong>: The more hitter-friendly environment in Texas might lead to more hits and a higher on-base percentage against Scherzer. This could translate to more runs scored and a higher workload per inning, affecting his overall efficiency and stamina.<\/p>\n<h4>3. Ballpark Dimensions and Physical Properties<\/h4>\n<p>Globe Life Field: Known for its retractable roof and climate-controlled environment, which can lead to more consistent hitting conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Citi Field: Often influenced by weather and wind patterns, potentially favoring pitchers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Analysis<\/strong>: Scherzer may need to adjust his pitching strategy to account for the more controlled environment in Texas, where hitters may find it easier to make solid contact. One metric that is quite reliant on ballpark dimensions is hits that go for triples. EV Analytics reports Citi Field as being 60% of the league average for triples compared to Globe Life Field&#8217;s 93% of the league average. Doubles follow the same pattern. Citi Field sits at 89% of the league average for doubles. Put simply, it hinders doubles by 11%. Comparatively, Globe Life Field boosts doubles by two percent.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The decision to leave the retractable roof open at Globe Life Field is hurting the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Rangers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Rangers<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<p>Robbie Grossman loses his battle with the sun, allowing the lightning quick Trea Turner to glide into third for a triple. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Phillies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Phillies<\/a><br \/> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pga0Dr8R7O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/pga0Dr8R7O<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; John Sparaco (@JohnSparaco) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JohnSparaco\/status\/1642282481972916224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 1, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Offense &amp; Bullpen<\/h3>\n<p>There is no doubt that Scherzer has just walked into one of the most elite offenses in the Texas Rangers. Since June 1st, the Rangers rank third in runs scored with 260. In the case of the Mets, they rank 22nd with 206 runs. While his record of 9-4 suggests that he hasn&#8217;t faced many difficulties picking up wins in his starts, it will certainly be easier to rack up the wins when his offense is scoring nearly six runs per game.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the upgrade in offense, Scherzer will have to deal with a weaker bullpen in Texas. From June 1st onwards, the Rangers&#8217; ERA of 5.22 is more than one run higher than the 4.12 ERA the Mets possess. Perhaps the addition of Scherzer will be able to alleviate some of the pressure placed on the bullpen and allow for more strategic deployment of bullpen arms. One can only hope that the high-octane Texas offense will be able to score more runs than the bullpen surrenders during Scherzer starts.<\/p>\n<h3>Last Words<\/h3>\n<p>Max Scherzer&#8217;s trade to the Texas Rangers presents a complex set of challenges and opportunities. The shift from the more pitcher-friendly Citi Field to the hitter-friendly Globe Life Field will likely require adjustments in his approach and may influence his statistical performance.\u00a0Fantasy baseball owners should approach this move with a nuanced understanding, recognizing both Scherzer&#8217;s proven excellence and the potential impact of the new ballpark. It&#8217;s not out of the realm of possibility that this move to the Rangers lights a fire under Scherzer as Texas keeps chipping away at their first postseason berth since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, Scherzer&#8217;s fantasy value should not deviate much from the value placed upon him whilst he was a member of the Mets organization. Fantasy owners should likely expect more wins from Scherzer as a result of having a comparatively easier remaining schedule as well as being placed in front of arguably the most lethal offense in the majors. However, it is absolutely worth mentioning that Globe Life Field is a far more challenging ballpark for pitchers than the home of the Mets, Citi Field. Fantasy managers should also be cognizant that Scherzer&#8217;s opponent&#8217;s batting average and quality of contact are likely going to rise somewhat.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">OFFICIAL: Max Scherzer is a Texas Ranger<\/p>\n<p>Welcome Mad Max! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/XpUjsAgCbo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/XpUjsAgCbo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Texas Rangers Insider (@RangersInsiders) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RangersInsiders\/status\/1685448834384633856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main photo credits:<\/p>\n<p>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n<p>Players mentioned:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/scherma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-07-30_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Scherzer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The recent announcement of Max Scherzer&#8217;s trade to the Texas Rangers has sent shockwaves through the Major League Baseball community. Yet, amid the debates and fan excitement, one question lingers for those invested in the world of fantasy baseball: Could this move be a genuine game-changer? [metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=&#8221;bbm\/texas_rangers&#8221; size=&#8221;350&#215;300&#8243; site_id=&#8221;lastwordonsports&#8221;] As high-profile trades go, this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4735,"featured_media":59981,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2886,2,1071],"tags":[48,246,79,164,652,268,93,168,259,49],"class_list":["post-59974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy-baseball","category-featured","category-mlb","tag-atlanta-braves","tag-houston-astros","tag-max-scherzer","tag-new-york-mets","tag-oakland-as","tag-philadelphia-phillies","tag-san-diego-padres","tag-st-louis-cardinals","tag-texas-rangers","tag-trade-deadline"],"modified_by":"Troy Brock","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4735"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59974"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59974\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}