Rangers' Max Scherzer reflects on controversial Mets exit

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer seemingly has no regrets about what became a somewhat controversial move away from the New York Mets last summer.

"It was a baseball decision; everything that went down — decisions had to be made," Scherzer explained before the Rangers' 14-2 home loss to the Mets on Monday night, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. "It was unfortunate I was in that position, but everybody had to make a baseball decision on all sides, and for me, it worked out well."

Scherzer signed a three-year, $130M deal with the Mets shortly after the 2021 season and was a big reason New York entered 2023 as championship contenders. However, the Mets struggled last season before Scherzer waived his no-trade clause to join the Rangers. Following that transaction, he revealed he had been told by then-Mets general manager Billy Eppler that the club viewed 2024 as "a kind of transitory year."

The Mets ultimately completed a relatively quiet offseason and have largely failed to impress this spring. Scherzer would neither confirm nor deny New York's campaign has gone as he expected, considering what he was allegedly told roughly 11 months ago.

"I’m a Texas Ranger," Scherzer explained. "Whatever happens is just what goes on with the Mets organization. [Mets owner Steve Cohen] is obviously running a great ship. I really enjoyed playing for him. He’s got the sights on how he wants to win a championship."

Last August, Scherzer refuted rumors regarding supposed clubhouse issues that hovered over the Mets across the first half of the 2023 season. On Monday, the three-time Cy Young Award winner suggested he's still close with some former teammates.

"There’s definitely some great guys in that clubhouse," Scherzer said about the Mets. "I definitely keep tabs on how they are doing and how they are playing."

As The Athletic's Will Sammon pointed out, Scherzer playfully teased Mets first baseman Pete Alonso after he advanced to first base on a walk in the top of the ninth inning of Monday's blowout. That humorous interaction could serve as a reminder that outsiders may never fully understand why the 2023 Mets were such a mess on — and maybe off — the field.

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