The Mad Max still has enough gas left in the tank! Yes, Max Scherzer is available in the free agency and reportedly a few teams like the Yankees and Mets are interested in him. Scherzer is 40 years old and had an injury-ridden season last year, but teams are still interested in him showing his worth. In this case, it’s the Yankees vs. Mets again for the future Hall of Famer!

While Scherzer has already played with the Mets in 2022, he is new to the Yankees’ radar. Apart from the Mets and Yankees, the right-handed pitcher is generating enough buzz across a few teams this year. Reportedly, scouts from the Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, and Blue Jays were present at Cressey Sports Performance’s pro day earlier in the week to check on Scherzer. Now, what made these teams, especially the Mets and Yankees, get interested in this 40-year-old pitcher?

The future HOFamer still holds value

There is no doubt that Max Scherzer is nearing his career’s end, but he still has enough to give it one last run. In his 17-year career, Scherzer has played with the Mets, Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, and Rangers, coming in as an 8x All-Star and 2x World Series champion. He brings a wealth of experience that can give the new talents a run for their money, and that’s something the teams are eager to leverage this time. Interestingly, he is available for a one-year deal, which makes his prospect even more appealing to teams. But his injuries haven’t been on his side in recent times.

Scherzer got a late start last year due to his herniated disc surgery and overall got 9 starts with a 3.95 ERA, a gradual down from 27 starts in 2023 and 23 starts in 2022. So yes, he has passed his prime and expectedly the teams here are not looking to get the same from Scherzer this time, rather it is his experience as a starting pitcher that will add more depth to their pitching rotation. “Hearing Mets have some level of interest in reuniting with Max Scherzer on a one-year deal”, shared MLB insider Pat Ragazzo. So, getting someone experienced like Scherzer for one year is what the Mets aren’t going to miss. However, are the teams going to get enough from Scherzer this year?

Yankees insider wrote, “Yankees scouts were among those present as Max Scherzer threw in front of teams earlier this week, per Ragazzoreport. Scouts reportedly liked what they saw”. The last sentence holds the value that depicts Scherzer can still offer what the teams are expecting from him. Expectedly, he shouldn’t come expensive this time, reportedly around $15 million for one year, which makes a strong case.

Where will Scherzer land?

Now with the Yankees and Mets coming face to face for Scherzer, where will he land? Well, the Yankees are likely to leverage more on his experience, which will bring reliability to the roster considering how exhausting the MLB season can be. Also, adding an experienced pitcher like Scherzer who apart from starting the pitch can add a layer of mentorship to the existing pitching staff without the Yankees needing to break the bank is a sweet deal. So yes, Scherzer is going to get a larger role with the Yankees. 

Something similar is going to happen with the Mets as well as they have considerably unproven starting options and the addition of Scherzer will solidify their pitching rotation. So again, Scherzer is expected to take on a mentorship role with the Mets, apart from his own game. Nevertheless, with the rich experience Scherzer brings, teams will have enough depth to handle any high-leverage situations.

Getting Mad Max on the team is a low-risk move with high potential. Knowing what Scherzer is capable of and what role he can play this time, getting him makes a sensible move for both the Yankees and Mets.

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