After the New York Mets began to sell off pieces at this year’s trade deadline, Max Scherzer revealed that he would be speaking with the front office and owner Steve Cohen about the direction of the team.
Hours later, the veteran right-hander and three-time Cy Young winner was traded to the Texas Rangers.
On Tuesday, the eight-time All-Star had his introductory press conference with the Rangers and was asked about what led to him ultimately waiving his no-trade clause to come to Texas.
Scherzer revealed the nature of his conversation with Cohen and the Mets brass and what he discovered about the direction the team was headed in.
Max Scherzer left no stone unturned LOL completely snitched on the Mets GM saying they’re punting 2024 pic.twitter.com/6ltUwQFq2s
— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) August 2, 2023
Scherzer said he discovered that the Mets were officially punting on 2024 and looking at being back in contention by 2025 at the earliest, with 2026 being the more likely window.
The right-hander wanted to confirm things with Cohen and see what he thought about where the front office believed the team was headed.
Cohen ultimately confirmed the vision of the front office.
It was at that point when Scherzer decided to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to the Rangers.
Scherzer now joins a stacked rotation that features Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez, Dane Dunning, and Jon Gray.
Eovaldi is currently on the injured list, but Scherzer should strengthen the Texas rotation.
The right-hander and future Hall-of-Famer also chose to opt into the final year of his contract and stay with the Rangers in 2024.
When he signed his deal with the Mets, he was given an opt-out clause after the first two seasons.
NEXT: Mets Reportedly Sending A Fortune To Houston Along With Justin Verlander
