The Max Scherzer Contract and the Mets Injury Woes
The Mets have had a successful regular season but are struggling with injuries. The Max Scherzer contract is a concern for the new owner Steve Cohen.
The Mets signed Max Scherzer to a record $130 million contract. The contract is worth over $43 million a season. After signing Scherzers, the Mets saw a jump in their World Series odds at casinos. The contract was signed after the second season of Scherzler's contract, when he could have opted out.
Max Scherzer was signed by the Mets. He had a good season with 11 wins and 5 losses over 23 starts. However, he was often sidelined with an oblique injury. The Mets were playing well in the NL East division, but they lost the last series to the Atlanta Braves.
The Mets and Braves were tied for first place in the NL East on October 1st. Max Scherzer had one of his worst starts of the season, surrendering 4 runs and failing to get out of 6th inning. The Braves took control of division and Atlanta clinched the title a couple of nights later.
The Mets finished tied for the third place in the NL with the Padres. The Mets are hosting the best of three series. Josh Bell hit a two-run home run in first inning. Trent Grisham, Jurickson Profar and Manny Machado hit home runs in fifth. Max Scherzer pitched 4.2 innings and allowed 7 hits, 7 earned runs and 4 strikeouts.
The Mets have been plagued by injuries recently. Jacob deGrom has not completed more than 15 starts since 2019. Starling Marte joined the Mets injury report after being hit by a pitch late in the season.
Max Scherzer's own injuries are a new chapter in the Mets injury problems. Last year, as a member of the Dodgers, Scherzers was ineffective against the Braves due to arm fatigue.
Max Scherzer missed time during the regular season due to an oblique injury. He will have to wait until the offseason to properly heal it.
The Mets have had back to back seasons with injuries to Max Scherzer. The 39-year-old is turning 39 next July. It was reported earlier this year that Jacob deGrom would opt out of his contract and test the free agent market. With the massive Scherzers contract, degrom will likely want to match the contract of Scherzinger.
