Getty Image / Rich Schultz
When the New York Mets signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer prior to the 2022 season, it sent shockwaves across the baseball world. His $43 million dollar average salary over the three-year deal was a record amount.
But, it simply didn’t work out. Despite good stats, Scherzer was roughed up in his two most important starts for the team in 2022, and his ERA over 4 this year for the disappointing Mets forced their hand on trading him to a contender, the Texas Rangers.
Star right-hander Max Scherzer has been traded from the New York Mets to the Texas Rangers, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN. The deal is done.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2023
The New York Mets did get quite the haul, though, as Texas sent back top-50 overall prospect Luisangel Acuña, brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña.
The Mets have acquired SS/2B/CF Luisangel Acuña from the Rangers for Max Scherzer
Acuña is hitting .315/.377/.453 with 25 doubles, 7 home runs, 51 RBI and 42 stolen bases in 84 games for Double-A Frisco
He will be my No. 1 prospect in the Mets system pic.twitter.com/6rWENyaJzl
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) July 30, 2023
And, Mets fans are sounding off on the trade.
More than any other move of the Steve Cohen era, the Max Scherzer signing felt like the move that signaled a complete shift in the direction of this franchise. It was the kind of move that never felt possible in the previous regime. This is obviously the right move, but it sucks.
— Vas Drimalitis (@vasdrimalitis) July 30, 2023
Idc what Eppler gets back for Max Scherzer
He’s the greatest GM of all time for finding a desperate team
— Phill (@MeekPhill_) July 29, 2023
Max Scherzer is the worst free-agent signing in the history of the Mets. Stunk in every single big spot. It was time to move on.
— Tommy Lugauer (@tommylugauer) July 29, 2023
Max Scherzer also opted into his player option for next year.
Max Scherzer exercised his player option for the 2024 season and will be a Texas Ranger through the end of his contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2023
It appears the Mets, who are six games below .500, are not done selling. They also traded closer David Robertson to the Miami Marlins earlier this week.