KEY POINTS

  • The New York Mets are ready to spend big to sign Max Scherzer
  • Scherzer is also considering a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers
  • The Mets could redirect focus on Stroman, Kershaw and Rodon if the pursuit fails

The New York Mets are reportedly ready to ramp up their chase for Max Scherzer, one of the top free agents this offseason.

Scherzer, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers last MLB season, is being pursued by multiple teams.

Aside from the Mets, the Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels are also in the mix per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

However, it is the Mets who have reportedly pitched an offer to the eight-time All-Star.

According to Andy Martino of SNY citing sources, New York has offered more than $40 million per year.

However, the length of the deal was not mentioned although Mets owner Steve Cohen could possibly offer him a deal that would be as long as four years.

Last season, Scherzer posted a 15-4 record with a 2.46 ERA, 2.97 FIP, 0.86 WHIP, and 11.8 strikeouts per nine.

Aside from that, the 37-year-old was also a perfect 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 starts for the Dodgers after acquiring him from the Washington Nationals at the MLB trade deadline.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to make his decision on Monday, November 29.

Should the Mets succeed in convincing Scherzer to join them, New York would end up with a daunting rotation.

The hard-throwing hurler could be part of a rotation that already includes Jacob DeGrom, Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker.

Adding the veteran pitcher could also provide the Mets with options considering deGrom possibly still bothered by an elbow injury that he sustained last MLB season.

This development comes not long after a couple of former Mets closed deals with new MLB teams.

Kevin Gausman came to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays, agreeing to a four-year $110 million deal.

Also, Jon Gray was signed by the Texas Rangers on a reportedly four-year $56 million deal.

With Scherzer also considering a potential return to the Dodgers, the Mets can still turn to several other top arms in the market.

That list includes Robbie Ray, Marcus Stroman, Clayton Kershaw and Carlos Rodon.

Of those names, Ray may be someone the Mets would have low chances with New York preferring not to give up the No. 14 pick in the MLB draft.

Max Scherzer Los Angeles Dodgers
Max Scherzer #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he receives the visit from Mark Prior #99, Trea Turner #6 and Will Smith #16 after an error from Corey Seager #5, allowing Wil Myers #5 of the San Diego Padres to score to tie the game 5-5, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images
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