New York Mets starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander have been floated heavily in MLB trade rumors in July. With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Mets and Texas Rangers are reportedly making progress on the biggest trade of the summer.
New York began listening to offers for Scherzer and Verlander this month after it became clear the club wasn’t going to make the playoffs. While both Cy Young Award winners have no-trade clauses that allow them control over the process, it’s believed they could waive it to join a World Series contender.
- Max Scherzer stats (2023): 4.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 in 107.2 innings pitched
Related: MLB trade tracker, grading the Max Scherzer trade
According to Andy Martino of SportsNet New York, the Mets and Rangers are engaged in “serious talks” on a trade that would land Scherzer in Texas. However, the dialogue is ongoing and multiple hurdles reportedly need to be crossed before a deal comes to fruition.
As first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rangers and Mets have now agreed to terms on a deal. Scherzer has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, but the deal is pending him passing his physical.
- Texas Rangers trade: Luisangel Acuña
- New York Mets trade: Max Scherzer, $35-plus million cash
Verlander has drawn more interest from teams than Scherzer. Martino previously reported that MLB teams who scouted both starters came away convinced that Verlander is the better pitcher, with Scherzer’s stuff in obvious decline.
- Max Scherzer contract: $43.333 million salary in 2023, $43.333 million player option in 2024
However, the Rangers are determined to add more pitching. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on July 27 that Texas is looking at available starters and relievers, hoping to address both positions in one deal.
While the Mets traded David Robertson to the Miami Marlins, they still have Adam Ottavino. The 37–year-old reliever has a 3.40 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP this season and could serve as a set-up man in the Rangers’ bullpen. Even without Ottavino, Scherzer would provide stability for the Rangers’ rotation.
Texas has been looking for its Jacob deGrom replacement after he underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this season. As part of the trade, Scherzer exercises his $43.33 million player option for the 2024 season. While that adds to the Rangers’ payroll, including Luisangel Acuna in the deal meant New York is covering $35 million of Scherzer’s remaining contract.