Former New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers acquire three-time Cy Young Award winner from Mets

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 7/30/23

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.

Full details of the trade, per ESPN sources:

Texas receives Max Scherzer

New York receives 21-year-old shortstop Luisangel Acuña, the brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.

Scherzer opts in to 2024.

The Rangers will pay Scherzer $22.5M. The Mets will cover $35M-plus.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2023

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 have acquired SS/2B/CF Luisangel Acuña from the Rangers for Max Scherzer

Acuña is hitting .315/.377/.453 with 25 doubles, 7 home runs, 51 RBI and 42 stolen bases in 84 games for Double-A Frisco

He will be my No. 1 prospect in the Mets system pic.twitter.com/6rWENyaJzl
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) July 30, 2023

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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