Mets are reportedly close to signing Max Scherzer, but remain in “wait mode”

The New York Mets made a huge splash in the free agent market on Friday, when they secured outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, in addition to infielder Eduardo Escobar. Those three signings marked a paradigm shift for them, as they turned their focus on strengthening a shallow rotation.

On Sunday night, they made huge advances in signing one of the best free agent arms available in Max Scherzer. During the trade deadline, the multiple Cy Young award winner snubbed the Mets for the West Coast, but now, New York reportedly has the highest offer on the table for Scherzer.

Several renowned reporters wrote late on Sunday that the Mets were close to securing Scherzer, against all odds, but so far, no official announcement has been made.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Mets “remain in wait mode” for the prized free agent, who could make more than $40 million per season on a multi-year deal.

Per Heyman, the Mets “have already reviewed and approved of Scherzer’s medicals”. SNY’s Andy Martino said late Sunday night that the team offered Scherzer around $42 million over three or four years.

The Mets need to strengthen their rotation

The Mets were said to have topped Kevin Gausman’s deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, worth $110 million over five years. However, the right-hander chose the Blue Jays’ current core.

At the moment, the Mets are also monitoring the trade market, in which stars such as Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, and Frankie Montas could be available. However, Scherzer remains the A1 priority for New York, and an announcement on his next destination should come on Monday.

The Mets’ rotation lost Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman (both free agents: Thor signed with the Los Angeles Angels) and also Joey Lucchesi to Tommy John surgery. At the moment, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill are slated to take the ball every five days.