MLB Rumors: Scherzer concern, Braves sign slugger, Astros controversy
By Mark Powell
![Jun 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) argues with umpire Dan Iassogna (58) during the tenth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Jun 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) argues with umpire Dan Iassogna (58) during the tenth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/409b74dbf65de6e1f9f3d8685358ad58c3c7482aa30af95ace0b4c6ec93a0c74.jpg)
MLB Rumors: Will Max Scherzer’s contract haunt the NY Mets?
New York Mets ace Max Scherzer was booed in his last start, in which he allowed six earned runs against the New York Yankees in the Subway Series.
The #Mets fans cheered Max Scherzer getting hooked and then the boos rained down on him. This is why any star player has to always weigh it if the money is worth it going to NY, Philly, or LA. For next year, Max holds a "player option" for $43.33 million. He can absolutely screw… https://t.co/9nmU20O95J
— Talk Nats (@TalkNats) June 14, 2023
“We’ve all got to be better,” Scherzer said. “If we’re going to be better, we’ve got to win as a team. Everybody’s got to do their part to win as a team.”
Scherzer continued, expressing to put the blame squarely on him for that Mets defeat. His slider, specifically, was the problem.
“This is simple: I struggled with my slider,” Scherzer said. “Every time I was throwing my slider, it was hanging. I wasn’t executing it the way I needed to. I can’t believe I was hanging that many sliders in all those situations.”
New York doesn’t control Scherzer’s destiny this offseason, as he can opt into the final year of his contract and make $43.33 million. Now, Steve Cohen has plenty of money to spend, but if Scherzer doesn’t improve that contract won’t look great from an organizational perspective.
While the Mets did win on Wednesday night, thus splitting the Subway Series, the rotation remains a concern. Scherzer and Justin Verlander haven’t pitched up to par so far, and certainly not in consistent fashion.
Next. MLB Rumors: Mets-Reds trade talk, Cubs’ Nick Madrigal showcase, and A-plus bet of the week. dark