Inside The Rangers

Max Scherzer Pitches Shohei Ohtani to Join Texas Rangers: Money Great, Winning Better

Texas Rangers ace Max Scherzer wants free agent Shohei Ohtani to know that he'll win if he signs with the World Series champions.

Stefan Stevenson

Max Scherzer Pitches Shohei Ohtani to Join Texas Rangers: Money Great, Winning Better
Max Scherzer Pitches Shohei Ohtani to Join Texas Rangers: Money Great, Winning Better /
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Max Scherzer hasn't been part of the Texas Rangers long, but that doesn't mean he can't recruit. The three-time Cy Young Award winner made a pitch to free agent Shohei Ohtani during a television appearance on Monday.

"Money is great, but winning is better," Scherzer said with a laugh during an interview on Foul Territory. "If you want to come win, that's better than money, I promise."

Scherzer, of course, wasn't being completely serious about money. But he was probably trying to make sure Ohtani considered the future success of his new team.

Scherzer and the Rangers are coming off their first World Series championship. The future Hall of Famer, who joined Texas shortly before the trade deadline, is is set to earn $43 million in 2024.

After six historic seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, the two-way superstar Ohtani will likely sign an MLB record deal as this winter. Ohtani has named the Rangers as one of his potential preferred teams.

After six non-playoff years with the Angels, winning is probably already on Ohtani's mind.

Ohtani is a two-time American League MVP. He finished ahead of Rangers infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien for the 2023 award. 

Ohtani has also been a valuable pitcher, compiling a 38-19 record and 3.01 ERA on the mound for the Angels over the past five seasons. He finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting in 2022 after going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA. Ohtani dealt with injuries late in the 2023 season and had UCL surgery to repair his right elbow in early October. He won't be able to pitch during the 2024 season.

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Stefan Stevenson
STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.

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