The New York Mets and free-agent starting pitcher Max Scherzer are reportedly finalizing a record-breaking contract that will make him the highest-paid player in MLB history.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, long preferred to sign with a team that allowed him to stay on the West Coast. However, reports surfaced Sunday night that the future Hall of Famer was in talks with New York on a multi-year deal to lead their rotation.
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According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the two sides are finalizing a three-year deal worth $130 million. The contract, fully guaranteed, will make him the highest-paid MLB player in average annual salary.
Scherzer, age 37, is coming off another Cy Young-caliber season. He opened 2021 with the Washington Nationals before a blockbuster trade deadline move sent him and All-Star infielder Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 11 starts in Los Angeles, Scherzer posted a 1.98 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and a clean 7-0 record.
- Max Scherzer stats (2021): 2.46 ERA, 11.84 K/9, 236/36 K/BB ratio, .184 BAA, 0.86 WHIP in 179.1 innings
The three-year contract tops new teammate Jacob deGrom ($36 million per season) and New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole ($36 million per season).
After missing out on Steven Matz, the Mets have been the most aggressive team in free agency. Adding Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha and Starling Marte to the roster, New York is shaping up to be a World Series contender in 2022.