What led to Max Scherzer’s Mets exit? He reflects on chaotic deadline that led to trade

NEW YORK — Max Scherzer’s phone began to be flooded with text messages from players across Major League Baseball.

Was the 39-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner going to waive his no-trade clause from the Mets? The trade of David Robertson to the Marlins was jarring but not completely unexpected.

Suddenly Scherzer’s future seemed to be in flux after he tossed seven innings with one earned run allowed in a victory over the Nationals on July 28, four days before the trade deadline.

“I’ve probably got to have a conversation with the front office,” Scherzer said then.

On Monday afternoon in Scherzer’s first trip to Citi Field since being traded to the Rangers, the veteran starting pitcher reflected on what led to the deal, his time with the Mets and the team’s struggles in 2023:

Genesis of the Max Scherzer deal

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer prepares for the next pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

The next day, trade discussions intensified. Scherzer had a full no-trade clause and had final say on his future. That’s when discussions with owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler helped solidify the reality for Scherzer that he would be better suited trying to play for a World Series title elsewhere outside New York.

“When you do hear that they’re going to pull the plug on ’23, yeah, that’s disappointing,” Scherzer said. “A common viewpoint among all of us players, was that, ‘OK, let’s go for it in 2024 and we got the talent here to do it.’ I think obviously that wasn’t the direction.”

There was also a closed-door meeting with Buck Showalter.

“(It) was tough, because I’m always going to do what’s best for the organization and that was a tough conversation,” Showalter said. “But I appreciate it, and I was honored that he came to me to get my thoughts on it, to try to look at it logically, without emotion it’s hard. But the goodbyes, they’re hard.”

The framework for the deal came together on July 29 and was finalized the next day, netting the Mets 21-year-old infield prospect Luisangel Acuña, the No. 40 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.

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The Mets are responsible for $35.5 million of Scherzer’s contract while he’s with the Rangers.

Aces gone elsewhere

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer reacts after New York Yankees’ Jake Bauers hit an RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York.

It was an abrupt ending to Scherzer’s one and a half seasons with the Mets. In his first season of a three-year, $130 million contract in 2022, Scherzer finished with an 11-5 record in 23 starts with a 2.29 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 173 strikeouts in 145.1 innings.

But a normally-strong campaign was marred by back-to-back poor starts against the Braves in a make-or-break series with the National League East on the line and in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series against the Padres.

In 19 games with the Mets this season, Scherzer’s inconsistency contributed to an underwhelming first half. He was 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 121 strikeouts in 107.2 innings. He missed time due to a suspension for a sticky stuff violation, along with minor neck and back injuries.

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“Everybody can probably look themselves in the mirror and say, ‘I could’ve done better,'” Scherzer said. “I know specifically myself this year, I wish I would have pitched better.

“I don’t like to point fingers unless I’m pointing fingers at myself. I definitely point the finger at myself, so that’s what leaves everybody with a dumbfounding feeling is you could never put one finger on any one given thing.”

On the day that Scherzer was traded, the Mets were 50-55 and 6.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. Despite rumors that a toxic environment led to the Mets’ struggles, Scherzer said it was “a great clubhouse” and the team still believed they could get back into the playoff race.

A new reality

Aug 26, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

After an extensive sell-off that included seven deadline deals, the Mets entered Monday night with a 60-71 record and nine games out of the final playoff spot.

Scherzer said he enjoyed his time in New York but was frustrated that he couldn’t help deliver the team to its lofty goals. Ultimately, he understands the decision that came amid the team’s disappointing 2023 season.

“They have the right thought process behind it, and Steve’s a great owner about trying to make this a winner here in New York,” Scherzer said. “I was definitely happy to join it, happy to contribute to it, unfortunately, wasn’t able to be here when with the great moments of it. They’re doing the right things to build a championship ball club in the future. Those decisions had to be made.”

Since joining the Rangers, who are second in the American League West, Scherzer is 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 30.2 innings, much to the chagrin of Mets fans.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Max Scherzer reflects on chaotic NY Mets trade to Rangers