Nathan Eovaldi: Max Scherzer Trade 'Huge' for Texas Rangers
Even before Jacob deGrom was lost for the season, Nathan Eovaldi was pitching like an ace for the Texas Rangers.
Having those two at the top of the rotation gave the Rangers a 1-2 punch that was as potent as any in the American League.
Well, the Rangers added another puncher this weekend, and no one is more excited about the arrival of Max Scherzer than Eovaldi.
“It's huge for the team,” Eovaldi said Sunday. “It's huge for the group. It just gives you that extra encouragement.”
It signaled that the Rangers are “all in” for this season. Rangers general manager Chris Young said the Scherzer trade was made with the playoffs in mind, giving the team a chance to win a World Series.
Scherzer’s track record includes a World Series ring, three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star selections. The 38-year-old right-hander is 9-4 this season with a 4.01 ERA, and he’s under contract for 2024 with the Rangers.
“Adding him, not only for this rotation for this year, but also for next year, it's a huge pickup by CY and the guys,” said Eovaldi, currently on the 15-day disabled list. “He brings that experience. I mean, he’s accomplished everything. What he’s going to be able to do for the guys, the energy, you see the way he goes out and competes on the mound, and then just that extra experience for the postseason.”
Eovaldi said that belief and commitment is appreciated in the clubhouse, especially since the expectation was that the New York Mets weren’t going to move Scherzer.
“For us to go out there, make that statement,” Eovaldi said. “We did it earlier with [Aroldis] Chapman. Now we do it with Scherzer. It’s huge for the guys and everybody’s excited. I'm ready for him to get here.”
Scherzer was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday at Globe Life Field, with his Texas debut scheduled for Thursday against the Chicago White Sox.
The addition of Scherzer wasn’t the only move made by Young to fortify the pitching staff. The Rangers also added former St. Louis Cardinals starter Jordan Montgomery and reliever Chris Stratton ahead of the trade deadline.
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