Last year, around this time, MLB teams were rushing to make their signings and additions before owners implemented the lockout.
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the sport and the 2023 season, so most organizations preferred to do their shopping before the lockout.
One of those teams was the New York Mets.
After collapsing in the second half last year and missing the playoffs, they wanted to make a statement signing.
They wanted to build an uber-rotation led by Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer.
They had the former (currently a free agent, by the way) but had plenty of competition for the latter.
In the end, the Mets broke a record for highest average annual value (AAV) ever in MLB, but secured their man.
“One year ago today, @Max_Scherzer became a Met,” the team tweeted.
One year ago today, @Max_Scherzer became a Met. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YtAxwNCW45
— New York Mets (@Mets) December 1, 2022
Scherzer signed a huge three-year, $130 million deal with the chance to opt out after 2023.
He earns $43.3 million per year, and it’s hard to see him topping that even if he has a great 2023.
A Great Debut Season With The Mets
A pair of oblique injuries derailed part of his season (especially the end) but Scherzer was, for the most part, outstanding.
In 145.1 innings, he finished with a 2.29 ERA and a 2.62 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).
He also struck out 173 hitters.
In those 145.1 frames, he managed to earn a brilliant 4.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) output.
Unfortunately for himself and the Mets, the re-aggravation of the oblique injury affected him in crucial starts near the end of the season and in the National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres.
He will get a new chance to start over in spring training, hoping to remain healthy for most of the year.
If he can do that, the Mets’ rotation will have a bonafide ace.
NEXT: Mets Announcer Reveals The Latest On Jacob deGrom