Mets’ Ace Max Scherzer Surprised by Team’s Change in Direction, Traded to Rangers: 2024 Plans Abandoned
Max Scherzer, the star pitcher for the New York Mets, received shocking news when he learned that the underperforming team had abandoned their plans for a World Series title in 2024. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who had expected the Mets to reload for the upcoming season, found out that the team’s focus had shifted beyond his contract’s expiration. As a result, Scherzer made the difficult decision to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal with the Texas Rangers.
In conversations with New York general manager Billy Eppler and owner Steve Cohen, Scherzer discovered that the Mets were embarking on a new vision and timeline. This revelation contradicted what he had previously heard from Cohen. However, after speaking with the owner directly, Scherzer realized that the Mets were indeed shifting their plans beyond 2024.
Justin Verlander, another three-time Cy Young Award winner, also made a move on the trade deadline day, returning to the Houston Astros, the reigning World Series champions. The Mets were active in the trade market, parting ways with several players, including closer David Robertson, reliever Dominic Leone, outfielder Tommy Pham, outfielder Mark Canha, and infielder Eduardo Escobar. In return, they acquired 10 promising prospects, along with pitchers Phil Bickford and Adam Kolarek from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
By trading away Scherzer, Verlander, Robertson, and Canha, the Mets managed to reduce their expenses for the 2023 season by approximately $45 million in salary and tax. Eppler explained that these moves were aimed at expediting the team’s long-term goals and strengthening their farm system.
While the Mets do not expect to have the same championship odds as they did in previous seasons, Eppler assured fans that the team would still field a competitive lineup in 2024. He acknowledged that the Mets had fallen short of expectations but emphasized their commitment to building a sustainable system for years to come.
With a record-high payroll of $365 million just over a month ago, the Mets’ investment did not yield the desired results. As of now, the team finds itself far behind in the NL East standings and out of contention for a wild-card spot.
In the Scherzer trade, the Mets will pay the Texas Rangers $35.51 million over the next 14 months, effectively leaving the Rangers responsible for the remaining $22.5 million owed to the 39-year-old pitcher through the next season.
Similarly, the Mets will send around $35.5 million to the Houston Astros as part of the Verlander trade, covering a majority of the roughly $57.5 million remaining on his contract. The Mets will pay around $4.2 million this year and $31.3 million in 2024. If Verlander meets certain conditions and exercises his $35 million conditional player option for 2025, the Mets would have to pay an additional $17.5 million.
Despite the unexpected changes in their rosters, the Mets and their players remain positive. Francisco Lindor, the Mets’ shortstop, emphasized the team’s determination to compete and expressed confidence in their repositioning of assets within the organization.
While the Mets’ plans have shifted, and key players like Scherzer and Verlander have moved on, the team remains hopeful for the future. As they reevaluate their strategies and look towards the winter, the Mets aim to position themselves for success and put their best foot forward in the coming seasons.
