How Jacob deGrom convinced Max Scherzer to accept trade to Rangers

It turns out Jacob deGrom helped close the trade that resulted in the New York Mets sending Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers ahead of Tuesday's deadline for such transactions. 

"When it did become Texas was on the radar, I was just trying to get a feel for what the organization was about," Scherzer told reporters on Tuesday, as shared by Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com."[deGrom said] how much he really enjoyed all the guys and the staff here and that this was a great situation, great fit. The guys were playing hard and playing well together and that this was a good situation for him. And if I were to come over, it’d be a great situation for myself as well." 

Scherzer and deGrom were teammates with the Mets during the 2022 season, and the latter was heavily linked with a return to the Amazins this past fall until he inked a five-year, $185M contract that includes a sixth-year option which could increase the agreement's worth to $222M to join Texas. It was subsequently reported that deGrom didn't give the Mets a chance to at least match the Rangers' offer. 

As recently as ahead of last weekend, it was thought the disappointing Mets would hold onto both Scherzer and fellow co-ace Justin Verlander in an attempt to contend for a postseason spot next season. 

However, Scherzer explained Tuesday that Mets general manager Billy Eppler indicated the club is now going in a different direction and "repurposing" assets with 2025 and/or 2026 in mind. That conversation along with information Scherzer obtained from deGrom helped convince the 39-year-old to waive his no-trade clause and head to Texas this summer. 

In the end, the Mets loaded up on prospects by dealing Scherzer, Verlander and a handful of other proven commodities. Verlander officially returned to the Houston Astros Tuesday afternoon. 

"So knowing a little history, knowing him as well made it a little bit easier to put trust in his words," Scherzer added about deGrom. "And you know, I believe what he said and, you know, excited to be here."

The Rangers began Wednesday holding a half-game lead over the Astros in the American League West standings. Both clubs would be playoff teams had the season ended following Tuesday's action.