The Max Scherzer trade is finally a done deal.
The New York Mets are sending the three-time Cy Young Award winner to the Texas Rangers in exchange for shortstop Luisangel Acuña, younger brother of All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that under terms of the deal, Scherzer will opt in for 2024. The Mets will pay $35 million-plus of Scherzer’s salary through 2024, while the Rangers will pick up $22 million.
The 21-year-old Acuña was the Rangers No. 3 prospect and is ranked No. 44 in MLB.com’s Top 100.
News of the trade broke late Saturday afternoon, although Scherzer had to waive his no-trade clause to approve the deal. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported after the initial news, however, that the deal was on hold for that reason, saying, “As of right now, it’s not happening.”
Now it’s been finalized. The Rangers can plug Scherzer into their rotation for what they hope will be a deep postseason run, while the Mets and their fans can only wonder what went wrong in what was supposed to be a great season.
The 39-year-old Scherzer has a 9-4 record with a 4.01 ERA (4.73 FIP) this year.
As with any trade, fans and analysts disagreed on which team came out on top.
Mets get a top propsect who will likely be in the majors next year (already torching AA) and luxury tax + salary relief, Rangers get an arm to try to help them get back to the World Series – at a high cost.
Ownership in Texas is going all-in.. whether it works we don’t know.
— Gregory Pearsoll (@GPJaysfan) July 30, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.