Signing the bottom of a three-year contract with the New York Mets, Max Scherzer was fully aware that he would not be the starting pitcher in his new team’s 2022 inaugural game.
A role that went perfectly to the main interested party, and this, for a long time.
By coming to the Mets, Scherzer knew very well that he would be called upon to assist the ace of the New York rotation, Jacob deGrom.
With a star-studded career (190 wins, more than 3,000 strikeouts, three Cy Youngs and a World Series ring), Scherzer could have chosen a team that would have allowed him to keep his role, but he didn’t. is nothing.
#put hierarchy impressed with Max Scherzer’s willingness to defer to Jacob deGrom. First day in camp today, Scherzer told coaches, “I”m here to help Jake. He should get the ball whenever he wants. He comes before me.”
— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) March 12, 2022
At 37, he has nothing left to prove and to find himself comfortably in a supporting role is a thoughtful and logical choice. Scherzer will protect deGrom while finding himself in a protective situation himself.
This choice represents a reduction in the pressure that a number one must live with and this pressure Scherzer had to deal with since his years in Detroit, but especially during his time in the American capital, wearing the colors of the Nationals.
Seeing a dominant pitcher like deGrom assume the leadership of the rotation will certainly allow Scherzer to take the time to familiarize himself with his new reality and still perform at a high level of efficiency.
Also, should deGrom’s medical condition come into focus again, the Mets will have a dominant pitcher who can take over when the time is right.
Fans who criticized Scherzer’s choice to sign in New York will quickly find that this situation is a win-win for both parties. The big right-hander will be able to continue to perform in a role that he himself has chosen without having been imposed on him.
The situation would have been quite different if he had been robbed of his position as number one pitcher, which is not the case. No one put a gun to Scherzer’s head during this signing.
And Jacob deGrom must feel perfectly comfortable with the veteran’s presence, because he knows that the opposing hitters will have no respite against his team.
