Mets trade Max Scherzer to Rangers after 3-time Cy Young winner approves deal: reports

The New York Mets traded eight-time All-Star Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers Saturday night in exchange for top prospect Luisangel Acuña after Scherzer agreed to the deal, according to multiple reports.

A tentative deal was struck earlier in the day, but it needed Scherzer’s approval because he had a no-trade clause.

The Rangers are in first place in the AL West and have the third-best record in the American League. But the team’s starting rotation lost Jacob deGrom to a season-ending injury. The addition of Scherzer provides rotation depth and gives the Rangers an experienced veteran down the stretch.

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New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer delivers against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of Game 1 of a National League wild-card playoff series Oct. 7, 2022, in New York.  (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

The Mets are in the midst of one of the most disappointing seasons in the majors. After owner Steve Cohen spent a record amount on the team’s payroll during the offseason, New York sits in fourth place in the NL East.

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The decision to move on from Scherzer could signal the beginning of the Mets’ commitment to a wider sell-off.

The 39-year-old Scherzer has not been quite as formidable this year as he has been in recent years, giving up 23 home runs on the season. He has a 4.01 ERA and has struck out 121.

Scherzer is still considered a top of the rotation pitcher and should bolster the Rangers’ staff.

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) reacts as he leaves during the fourth inning of a game against the New York Yankees June 13, 2023, in New York.  (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The three-time Cy Young Award winner has worked through neck and back issues this year. A sticky substance violation resulted in a 10-game suspension for Scherzer in April.

Scherzer is in the second year of a three-year, $130 million contract he signed with New York.

Max Scherzer of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field Sept. 3, 2022, in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Scherzer said he was disappointed the Mets decided to trade closer David Robertson to the Marlins in exchange for two young prospects. 

“Disappointed. I mean, obviously. We put ourselves in this position,” Scherzer told reporters. “We haven’t played well enough as a team. I’ve had a hand in that for why we’re in the position that we’re at. Can’t get mad at anybody but yourself, but it stinks.”

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The Mets host the Washington Nationals Saturday. The Rangers take on the Padres for the second game of a three-game series in San Diego.