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Max Scherzer was traded from the Mets before this year’s deadline as New York sent him to the American League in exchange for top prospect Luisangel Acuna. The righty played two seasons for the team, but apparently that was enough to land him some haters.
Despite going 20-9 on the mound with the Mets, including posting a ridiculous 2.29 ERA in 2022, New York fans booed Scherzer in his return to Citi Field. This, coming as a tribute video for the starting pitcher played on the videoboard.
Scherzer landed in the Big Apple ahead of the ’22 season, signing with the Mets for $130 million over three years. He was expected to team up with Jacob deGrom to provide the franchise with the top pitching duo in the National League, and theoretically lead New York to its first championship since 1986.
The team never sniffed a World Series with Scherzer on the roster, though it wasn’t necessarily his fault. We noted the 20 wins over the last two seasons, as well as the insanely low ERA posted in season one.
Despite the output, New York was ousted in the divisional round of the postseason last year, and it doesn’t look like they’ll make it at all in 2023.
Failing to live up to expectations, the Mets parted ways with their expensive star and decided to rebuild for the future.
Scherzer did strike a nerve in his exit from New York, saying that he didn’t believe the team was committed to winning in the short term. He waived his no-trade clause in order to be dealt to the Rangers.
It seems that many Mets fans are still bitter with the departure.
Max Scherzer receives a tribute video at Citi Field pic.twitter.com/j7EzXTbIg1
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 28, 2023
You could hear the boos rain down as Max Scherzer’s tribute video played. Not the warmest welcome for the three-time Cy Young winner.
The righty is now set up to make a playoff run in Texas, teaming back up with deGrom. The Mets, meanwhile, are likely staring at a losing season.