The New York Mets are in the market for a big arm in free agency, and apparently have their sights set on All Star pitcher Max Scherzer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorite to retain his services, but it is far from a lock. As MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reported, the Mets are focused on Scherzer.
“Mets full attention at moment is on Max Scherzer, who may make a decision tonight. While the incumbent Dodgers are perceived as the favorite, the Mets are determined and financially formidable. If Scherzer goes elsewhere, Mets are expected to pivot to Kevin Gausman.”
The Mets have been very active in the off season so far. They acquired Starling Marte on a 4-year, $78 million deal. They also brought in Eduardo Escobar on a 2-year, $20 million deal. Those signings should help what was one of the league's worst offenses in baseball last season.
But, that doesn't help the Mets' pitching. So, New York is shooting for the moon. SNY has reported the Mets have offered a huge contract to Scherzer.
Scherzer was an elite pitcher again in 2021, following a subpar season by his standards in 2020. Last year, Scherzer finished 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA over 30 starts. He split time between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers after a mid-season trade.
Scherzer has won three Cy Young Awards during his illustrious career, and finished 3rd in the Cy Young voting last season.
If the Mets are unable to land Scherzer, it is believed they will turn their attention to Kevin Gausman. Gausman is coming off a career year, as he went 14-6 with a 2.81 ERA with the San Francisco Giants.