Rangers acquire three-time Cy Young Award winner from Mets
Looking to build on their lead in the American League West division, The Texas Rangers have struck a deal to acquire New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer.
In the middle of a down season, the 39-year-old right-hander is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA and led the National League in home runs allowed with 23 before being dealt to the American League.
He will provide the Rangers with much-needed help in the rotation that spent a ton of money trying to upgrade the position this offseason.
With key free agent signing pitcher Jacob DeGrom lost for the season due to an injury, Scherzer will be expected to help fill in for the huge void left by his former Mets teammate.
As part of the deal, Scherzer will opt into his contract for the 2024 season with the Rangers and the Mets will be covering over $35M of his contract.
The brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr, Luisangel Acuna is the player being sent to the Mets in exchange for the pitcher.
The 21-year-old shortstop is the No. 44 prospect in the MLB, he brings great contact skills blended with solid power for the shortstop position. He also possesses plus speed with 42 stolen bases in Double-A this season.
The Mets are looking for a quick rebuild and will look to acquire as much MLB-ready talent as possible, with pitcher Justin Verlander rumored to be the next pitcher dealt by the franchise.
While the Rangers figure to remain buyers, and are rumored to be interested in adding bullpen help as well as more starting pitching.
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