We could see a new average annual value record set any moment now, because Max Scherzer is gonna get paaaaaaaid.
Among the latest reports:
Mets talks with Scherzer ongoing tonight. It’s minute to minute and they’re not sure how it will resolve.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 29, 2021
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.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 29, 2021
Scherzer has seemed to favor West Coast (#Dodgers, #Angels). Teams involved in other SPs sense those teams will not go beyond 2 guaranteed years. So is the Mets route to Scherzer a staggering 2-yr deal or a record 3-yr pact?
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 29, 2021
Sources: Mets have offered Scherzer more than $40 million per year. Length unknown. Doesn’t mean he’ll sign there; that’s still unclear.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 29, 2021
It seems increasingly likely that Scherzer will top $40 million over AT LEAST two years, which is both nuts and also appropriate, given the value he’s likely to provide. The guy has just consistently been very good and very healthy in his 30s, and there’s little reason to project an immediate downturn.
Stay tuned. Like we said earlier this evening, today and tomorrow figure to be particularly wild thanks to the logistics of a likely Thursday lockout. That part kinda sucks, but at least things are crazy right now.
UPDATE: I’d still bet on a team out west, but hey, the rumors are the rumors:
There are some MLB execs guessing the favorite for Max Scherzer is the — get this — Mets. And that he’s definitely getting three years— and possibly four.
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) November 29, 2021
At an addition of $40+ million, the Mets’ payroll is going to be HUGE for the next several years if they land Scherzer. Good for them, I guess. *kicks dirt*
UPDATE 2: I would simply be entertained by this, even if jealous about how the Mets have started proceeding:
The #Mets are making progress with Max Scherzer. Have not heard it is final. Deal might be for as much as 4 years if it gets done.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 29, 2021
UPDATE 3: Every update, slightly more certain wording:
Growing indications that Scherzer is headed to Mets, sources tell @TheAthletic. NYM “making progress,” per @JoelSherman1.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2021
UPDATE 4 (Michael): The language gets more serious once again. This appears to be happening.
Max Scherzer and the #Mets are close to finalizing a multiyear deal, source confirms. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2021
UPDATE 5 (Michael): There are details on the offer, itself, which is reportedly enormous.
According to two sources, the Mets offer is for about 42 million per year over either 3 or 4 years.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 29, 2021