How much did the Rangers pay for Max Scherzer? Is he worth it?

The Rangers are looking strong enough to secure a playoff spot this year, despite a .500 record in July before their recent loss to the Padres. However, their hold on the division is not entirely secure, as they face some concerns with their best starter, Nathan Eovaldi, who’s sidelined due to elbow pain.

The Rangers made a smart move by acquiring Max Scherzer from the Mets in a trade to address this situation. They gave up their fourth-best prospect and will only cover a portion of Scherzer’s remaining contract. This move is a no-brainer as Scherzer’s presence immediately elevates their pitching rotation, making him their third-best starter- even in a challenging year. The 39-year-old also provides essential insurance in case Eovaldi’s absence prolongs or bolsters the rotation.

Although Scherzer is showing signs of age, with a slight drop in velocity and a higher home run rate, he remains a formidable pitcher. He leads the NL in homers allowed this year, and hitters are making solid contact at the highest rate of his career. Scherzer was a five-win pitcher in 2022 and still possesses the ability to miss bats at an above-league-average rate. His five-pitch mix, including a plus fastball, provides versatility that allows him to adjust to working with reduced stuff if needed. Even without those adjustments, he remains an above-average starter and possesses the qualities of a postseason performer. The Rangers will have Scherzer for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024, given that he exercised his player option, and they get to enjoy his services while the Mets cover the majority of his salary.

Was the trade worth it for the Mets?

The Mets received seven wins above replacement (WAR) from Scherzer and are now expecting value from Acuña for around $102 million. On the surface, it appears to be a favorable deal. Seven wins, most of which came during a playoff-bound season last year, hold significant value for any team, particularly for a large-market one where those wins may be crucial to securing a postseason spot.

There’s a tinge of disappointment in acquiring a prospect who seems to have a higher floor than the ceiling. This isn’t to undermine Acuña’s potential, as he is undoubtedly a valuable prospect, ranking among the top 60 in the minors currently. The argument isn’t that the Mets should have held out for a potential superstar like Sebastian Walcott, who carries significant risk due to his young age and uncertainty of panning out. But considering that the Mets only had Scherzer’s services for a year and two months, with the Rangers paying him approximately $21.7 million, one might have expected the Mets to land a prospect with a higher ceiling, even if it meant taking on a bit more risk.