Mets Load Roster for Wildcard Push
While you were sleeping last night, probably, the Mets reportedly are close to adding Max Scherzer to their rotation for the next three years.
This colossal move will be the most recent in a rash of signing these past few days.
And as pointed out by Mark Feinsand:
So, Mets owner Steve Cohen is & was highly motivated to add pieces before time ran out.
Before the Scherzer rumors & reports, New York also added Outfielders Starling Marte & Mark Canha (also plays 1st base), as well as infielder Eduardo Escobar. All four contracts are multi-year deals.
The Mets definitely improved their ball club this past weekend. No doubt about it. But it came at a STEEP price. In fact, Scherzer’s reported AAV (Average Annual Value) is the highest among active players, at $42,000,000.
Scherzer vs the Braves
In his career, Scherzer is barely keeping his head above the .500 water mark. With him to New York, he carries a lifetime 10-9 record with an ERA of 3.88 in 28 games.
Forgive me if I’m not shaking in my boots over the thought of Max Scherzer vs Charlie Morton, Max Fried, or Ian Anderson.
His last start against us as a Washington National: Braves victory.
His last start against us as an LA Dodger: Joc Pederson sent a hanger to the top of the Chophouse en route to a Braves victory.
His last scheduled start against us as an LA Dodger: didn’t make an appearance due to a self-proclaimed “dead arm”.
I struggle to find any evidence in his résumé that suggests his New York signing is a precursor to the Mets overtaking the Braves.
NL East Runs Through Atlanta
The Braves have won four straight National League East titles & are now the defending World Series Champions.
The corporate baseball media has crowned one of the Mets, Nationals, & Phillies as the preseason champions each of the last four seasons. Only to be made out a fool by season’s end.
The Braves have the best general manager in the division, the best 3rd baseman in the division, the best shortstop in the division, the best 2nd baseman in the division, the best right fielder in the division, the best bullpen in the division, the best manager in the division, the deepest & arguably the best rotation in the division still.
Flashy offseason moves in the offseason can ignite a fanbase. But watching another team win the division over the course of 162 games will absolutely demolish the morale of that same fanbase.
The strength of the Mets now is definitely their rotation. While the Braves have the best lineup in he division, our rotation also makes a strong case for tops in the National League East. Even with multiple Cy Young’s calling New York home.
We’ll dive into a head-to-head rotation comparison tomorrow.
In the meantime, welcome back to the NL East, Max.