Max Scherzer, the starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers, doesn’t seem to regret leaving the New York Mets for the Texas Rangers last summer, despite it becoming a fairly contentious decision.
Before the Rangers’ 14-2 home loss to the Mets on Monday night, Scherzer reportedly said, “It was a baseball decision; everything that went down — decisions had to be made,” as reported by Mike Puma of the New York Post. “It was unfortunate I was in that position, but everybody had to make a baseball decision on all sides, and for me, it worked out well.”
Scherzer signed a three-year, $130M contract with the Mets shortly after the 2021 season, positioning New York as championship contenders entering 2023. However, the Mets struggled, prompting Scherzer to waive his no-trade clause to join the Rangers. After the trade, Scherzer disclosed that then-Mets general manager Billy Eppler had informed him that the team viewed 2024 as “a kind of transitory year.”
The Mets ultimately had a quiet offseason and have not impressed this spring. Scherzer refrained from commenting on whether New York’s performance aligned with his expectations, given what he was allegedly told nearly a year ago.
“I’m a Texas Ranger now,” Scherzer stated. “Whatever happens is just what goes on with the Mets organization. [Mets owner Steve Cohen] is obviously running a great ship. I really enjoyed playing for him. He’s got the sights on how he wants to win a championship.”
Last August, Scherzer dismissed rumors of clubhouse issues that plagued the Mets during the first half of the 2023 season. On Monday, the three-time Cy Young Award winner mentioned he remains close with some former teammates.
“There are definitely some great guys in that clubhouse,” Scherzer said about the Mets. “I definitely keep tabs on how they are doing and how they are playing.”
As The Athletic’s Will Sammon noted, Scherzer playfully teased Mets first baseman Pete Alonso after Alonso walked to first base in the top of the ninth inning during Monday’s blowout. This humorous interaction suggests that outsiders may never fully understand why the 2023 Mets struggled both on and possibly off the field.