Max Scherzer returned to Citi Field Monday with the Texas Rangers and refuted any notion that there had been issues inside the Mets clubhouse or that he had problems with fellow ace Justin Verlander.
Scherzer, as well as Verlander and several other veteran players, were shipped off at the trade deadline as it became clear that the Mets weren’t going to be able to dig themselves out of the calamitous season that unfolded.
But any reports that there wasn’t harmony inside the clubhouse were just wrong, Scherzer told reporters.
“It was not (toxic) at all,” Scherzer responded to a reporter’s question on Monday. “We actually had a great clubhouse. 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.
“All this stuff with Ver and I — Ver and I are actually on a better page now than when we were to start the season. We’re much better off than we’ve ever been.”
Scherzer wouldn’t elaborate on what he meant about being in a better spot with Verlander.
The Rangers pitcher did reiterate his appreciation for the time he spent in Queens.
Scherzer came to the Mets in 2022 and was traded to the Rangers on July 29 for Luisangel Acuña.
“I loved my time here with the Mets,” said Scherzer, who had made similar comments following the trade. “I loved getting to play for Buck (Showalter). I loved all the guys that were in the clubhouse. 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 could never seem to put things together this year despite starting the season with a payroll of roughly $364 million.
As the trade deadline approached, the organization made the decision to pivot its objectives and build up the team’s farm system.
As for dissecting what went wrong this year, Scherzer called that the “billion-dollar question.”
“I don’t know, it was just a combination of everything,” he said. “It just seemed like when we pitched we didn’t hit. If we hit, we didn’t pitch and if we did both then maybe the bullpen didn’t do the job. It was just like a combination of everything of things just not going right. Everybody could probably look at themselves in the mirror and said they could have done better.
“I know, specifically myself this year, I wish I would have pitched better. I don’t like to point fingers unless I’m pointing fingers at myself, and I definitely can point the finger at myself.”
Scherzer had a 4.01 ERA in 19 starts for the Mets in 2023 and struck out 121 batters. He also posted a 9-4 record with the Amazins’ this season.
Since joining the Rangers, he’s started five games and has a 2.64 ERA. He will not be on the mound for any of Texas’ games with the Mets.
