Mets Complete Blockbuster Trade, Send Scherzer to Texas Rangers

The New York Mets and Texas Rangers have completed a trade that will send ace Max Scherzer to Arlington.

Kade Kistner | Jul 29, 2023

Mets Complete Blockbuster Trade, Send Scherzer to Texas Rangers /

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The New York Mets continue their offload of star talent as they have completed a blockbuster trade with the Texas Rangers that will send ace Max Scherzer to Arlington, Texas.

The deal was agreed to between the two parties but was hinging on Scherzer's acceptance as he holds a full no-trade clause according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. However, he is expected to officially waive his rights and the trade to Texas will go through.

Texas was also needed to sign off on a physical as Scherzer has dealt with back and oblique issues in the recent past.

Scherzer will immediately be placed atop the Rangers' rotation and will fill the void left by Jacob deGrom who underwent went Tommy John surgery earlier this season.

The right-hander holds a 4.01 ERA in 107.2 innings pitched this season, a fairly disappointing season for the 39-year-old compared to some of his more electric seasons. Still, he holds plenty of value.

Scherzer has a $43.3 million player option for the 2024 MLB season, one that he will seemingly opt into. But by trading Scherzer the Mets will be able to see a majority of that contract come off the books as they begin to restructure their roster and payroll.

New York will also be paying down all but $22.5 million in Scherzer's remaining deal.

The Texas Rangers will send Luisangel Acuna back to the Mets in the deal.

Acuna is the Rangers no. 3 prospect according to MLB.com. Inside the Mets will update this piece as information becomes available.

Next up on the docket to be moved is Justin Verlander with various reports linking him with a return to the Houston Astros or a move to the Cincinnati Reds.

A full teardown in Queens is underway.

Published Jul 29, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is an editor for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Mets. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.