The case for the Texas Rangers to re-sign Max Scherzer this offseason

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?

In all likelihood, Max Scherzer will depart the Texas Rangers this offseason and find a new home through free agency. But, there is still a case to keep him in Arlington that can not be easily glossed over. Regardless of his 2024 shortcomings, the 40-year-old helped the franchise win a title and has a reputation that speaks for itself.

The New York Mets traded “Mad Max” to Texas prior to the 2023 trade deadline, and Scherzer tossed a decent 3.20 ERA during his first eight starts with the Rangers. The Saint Louis native then went on to throw key innings during the team's World Series run. Regardless of how his cumulative stats turned out, it is unquestionable that the former first-round draft pick helped the Rangers win a championship.

His three innings of scoreless baseball against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 3 of the World Series aided the Rangers’ attack and allowed them to grab a pivotal win. However, his 2024 marks did not impress and injuries caught up with him.

“I still believe I can pitch at a high level here. There's nothing stopping me from doing that. Just right now my body's not fully cooperating," Scherzer said before the Rangers played their final home game of the year. "But if I can properly address everything that's been going on and learn from what is going on with my body right now, I can be better next year for it with a full offseason."

The case for the Texas Rangers to re-sign Max Scherzer this offseason

Scherzer only made nine starts this past season, and ultimately ended up with a 3.95 ERA. It was not as if he lived up to his “ace” status. As a result, the Rangers are now in a position where they may be willing to move on from the aging arm.

Such a task will be difficult regardless of his more recent struggles. When “push comes to shove,” Scherzer is a perennial talent. The three-time Cy Young and eight-time All-Star has lived out the “children’s game” to the fullest extent.

Ultimately, the Texas Rangers will have to decide if his experience and accomplishments warrant another chance to show he can be dominant at his age.