The Texas Rangers acquired star right-hander Max Scherzer from the New York Mets in a Saturday deal, strengthening the Rangers’ rotation for a World Series push while the Mets’ demolition continues, according to individuals familiar with the transaction, who confirmed other reports.
A preliminary agreement was reached earlier in the day, but it was predicated on Scherzer waiving a no-trade provision. Scherzer authorised the transaction to Texas one day after voicing displeasure with the Mets’ sale of closer David Robertson. He’ll join the American League West-leading Rangers, who are one game ahead of the Houston Astros at 60-45.
In exchange, the Mets will obtain Luisangel Acuna, a 21-year-old middle infielder and centre fielder who is expected to be one of New York’s best prospects.
Acuna was hitting.315 with seven home runs, 51 RBIs, and 42 stolen bases in 82 games with the Rangers’ Double-A Frisco affiliate. He is Ronald Acuna Jr., the younger brother of Atlanta Braves great Ronald Acuna.
Scherzer has chosen to opt in to the Rangers’ 2024 season as part of the agreement. Texas will pay Scherzer $22.5 million, with the Mets covering the rest terms for more over $35 million.
Following the Mets’ 11-6 defeat to the Washington Nationals on Saturday night, New York manager Buck Showalter did not go into detail about the transaction, stating simply that it “hasn’t been done.”
Later, after the Rangers’ 4-0 defeat to the San Diego Padres, Texas manager Bruce Bochy was as evasive, stating, “there’s nothing I can give you right now.” There is no word. I just walked in and haven’t spoken to anybody. I’m not sure where it is right now.”
The Rangers boast the highest-scoring offence in baseball, but they went into the trade deadline looking to improve their pitching after their most visible free agency signing, Jacob deGrom, suffered season-ending Tommy John surgery in June. They traded for Scherzer despite his $43.3 million yearly salary in Major League Baseball and the possibility of his opting out of the last year of his contract after this season.
The Rangers have acquired a potential Hall of Fame pitcher in Scherzer, 39, whose 2023 season has been up and down by his own lofty standards. In 1072/3 innings, he is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA, has struck out 121 and walked 30, and has surrendered a National League-high 23 home runs.
Scherzer joined the Mets before to the 2022 season and flourished on the mound, with a 2.29 ERA in 14513 innings over 23 starts.
The Mets, who acquired co-ace Justin Verlander in the offseason, entered the season with an MLB-record payroll of more than $350 million and a shot at their first title since 1986.
They never regained their footing, and the Mets now sit in fourth place in the NL East, 18 games behind first-place Atlanta, at 49-55. The Mets’ unloading process began with the deal of Robertson, and it is anticipated to continue with the trade of Scherzer; the Mets are expected to transfer even more players before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Texas intends to have a postseason rotation that includes Scherzer and Nathan Eovaldi, as well as Jon Grey, Dane Dunning, Martin Perez, and Andrew Heaney. They traded for left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman in June, and they’ve been in talks with other clubs about additional bullpen guns, including Robertson, who was finally moved to the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.
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