Rangers' Max Scherzer addresses rumors about Mets clubhouse

Texas Rangers ace Max Scherzer insists the New York Mets had no glaring clubhouse problems ahead of the Amazins' fire sale.

"We actually had a great clubhouse," Scherzer said before Monday's game between the two clubs at Citi Field, per Christian Arnold of the New York Post. "We had great veterans in our clubhouse, everybody included. That’s definitely not the reason why we lost. We were a tight-knit group. Had a lot of fun together." 

After the Mets landed prospects for both Scherzer and fellow starter Justin Verlander, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that the two "had a strained relationship as (Detroit Tigers) teammates (from 2010-14), and a source said even as the pitchers worked toward harmony with the Mets, there was occasional discord." 

Puma added that one Met said Verlander was a "diva" who caused Scherzer "to grouse about his fellow three-time Cy Young Award winner." 

Verlander later said in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had "nothing but respect for the Mets organization." On Monday, Scherzer explained that he and Verlander are currently "much better off than we’ve ever been." 

Scherzer signed a three-year, $130M deal with the Mets shortly after the 2021 season but waived his no-trade clause to join the Rangers ahead of this year's trade deadline after New York general manager Billy Eppler allegedly told the 39-year-old the club was now looking at 2024 as "a kind of transitory year." On Monday, Scherzer said he "loved" being with the Mets and playing for manager Buck Showalter. 

"I loved all the guys that were in the clubhouse," Scherzer continued. "Really felt like we had a great group to be able to win, but unfortunately, we just didn’t get those type of results and that’s what’s frustrating."

The Mets reportedly had "a major problem" in the clubhouse throughout the spring and summer and may or may not have shopped All-Star slugger Pete Alonso ahead of the trade deadline. MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote earlier this month that he "didn’t want to admit it, but something (was) severely wrong" within the 2023 Mets. 

Scherzer seemingly disagrees with Heyman's take.