Mets Land Max Scherzer in Free Agency’s Biggest Splash
Apparently Steven Matz’s representation awakened a monster from the beneath the bowels of Citi Field. And his name is Steve Cohen. Billionaire Steve Cohen that is.
Cohen and the Mets reeled in the player they long coveted dating all the way back to last July and the Trade Deadline, future Hall of Fame starting pitcher Max Scherzer. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Mets and Scherzer are finalizing a three-year, $130 million deal that will pay Scherzer $43.3 million a year. Final details are still being hashed out.
Max Scherzer and the Mets are finalizing $130M, 3-year deal. Minor details to go only.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 29, 2021
The Mets will be the fifth team Scherzer has been on in his Major League career. He started his career in Arizona before rising to fame in Detroit where he won a combined 39 games in a two year stretch from 2013 to 14. However it was with the Washington Nationals that Scherzer entered “All-Timer” status, pitching to a 2.80 ERA over six-and-a-half seasons in Washington, including winning a World Series ring in 2019.
Last season he was dealt at the deadline to the LA Dodgers, and went a perfect 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 starts. He even recorded a save in the NL Divisional Series against the Giants when he struck former Met Wilmer Flores on a check swing.
Ironically, the Mets pursued Scherzer at the deadline last year, but it was said at the time that the right-hander did not want to pitch in New York.
He has $43 millions a year to do just that now.
The Mets and Max Scherzer are finalizing a 3-year, $130M contract, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/mdmkRqWuBl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 29, 2021
Scherzer’s signing continues what has been a busy week for the Mets. Ever since Cohen went on a Twitter tirade over losing Steven Matz to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets have signed four veteran players to contracts.
That includes Starling Marte, the veteran outfielder who is approaching 300 stolen bases for his career, and gives the Mets needed help in center field. Matt Canha, a versatile utility man who can play both infield and outfield positions, and Eduardo Escobar, a veteran second baseman, who hit 28 homers last season between Arizona and Milwaukee. Now add Scherzer to the mix, and there are no more excuses for the Amazin’s, they have to win a World Series right now. Especially when the top of the rotation has two Cy Young Award winners in Scherzer and Jacob deGrom.
