Scherzer getting record deal to move East, pitch for Mets
Max Scherzer has shattered baseball’s record for highest average salary, agreeing Monday to a $130 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The $43.33 million average salary is 20% higher than the previous mark, the $36 million Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is averaging in his $324 million, nine-year contract with New York.
Scherzer would have the right to opt out after the 2023 season to become a free agent once again. Scherzer also receives a full no-trade provision, requiring his approval for any deals. The agreement also includes award bonuses.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner and eighttime All-Star, the 37-year-old right-hander was 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA last season for the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers. SEAGER, RANGERS AGREE ON $325 CONTRACT >> The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement on a $325 million, 10-year deal with shortstop Corey Seager, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal
was pending a physical and wasn’t finalized.
Seager was the NL MVP in 2020 and a two-time All-Star in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .306 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs in 95 games this year, when he broke a finger on his right hand after getting hit by a pitch May 15 and missed 2 ½ months.
The deal for Seager is the biggest in Rangers history, and matches Giancarlo Stanton for the fifth largest in overall value in baseball. The $325 million trails only the deals of Mike Trout ($426.5 million), Mookie Betts ($365 million), Fernando Tatis Jr. ($340 million) and Bryce Harper ($330 million).
PINDER, KEMP AVOID ARBITRATION
WITH ATHLETICS >> Utilityman Chad Pinder has reached agreement on a $2,725,000, one-year contract and infielder Tony
Kemp is receiving a $2.25 million, one-year deal as both players avoided salary arbitration with the Oakland Athletics, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations said Monday.
The 29-year-old Pinder batted .243 with six home runs and 27 RBIs over 75 games for the A’s last season, missing time early in the year with a sprained left knee. He earned $2,275,000 in 2021. He played right field, left field, shortstop, second base, third and served as designated hitter.
Kemp, 30, hit .279 with eight homers, 16 doubles, three triples and 37 RBIs playing 89 of his 131 games at second base.
MARINERS WORKING ON DEAL TO GET RAY >> The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a contract with American League Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on the condition of anonymity because Ray still must undergo a physical and the deal has not been signed. ESPN.com first reported the sides were finalizing an agreement, expected to be for $115 million over five years.
Ray is coming off the best season of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 13-7 with a 2.84 ERA and 248 strikeouts in 193 1/3 innings. A left-handed power pitcher, Ray led the American League in ERA, games started, innings pitched and led all of baseball in strikeouts.
RAYS INTRODUCE FRANCO >> Wander Franco and the Tampa Bay Rays both got what they wanted in the shortstop’s $182 million, 11-year deal that includes a club option for the 2033 season.
The 20-year-old Franco got financial security for his family and Tampa Bay locked up a homegrown budding star long term.
The Rays introduced Franco on Monday.
MATZ, CARDINALS FINALIZE DEAL >> Left-hander Steven Matz and the St. Louis Cardinals finalized a $44 million, four-year contract on Monday.
Matz gets a $2 million signing bonus, payable within 30 days of the deal’s approval by the commissioner’s office, and salaries of $8 million next season, $10 million in 2022 and $12 million each in 2023 and 2024.