Rangers' Max Scherzer receives huge payday for nine starts

The 2024 season has been a disappointment for Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer.

Scherzer battled injuries all season. Offseason back surgery and a subsequent nerve issue delayed his 2024 debut until June 23. He had shoulder fatigue and mechanical issues that caused a nerve problem in his triceps, making just nine starts before his season ended due to a strained hamstring.

Scherzer was solid when he was able to take the mound for the Rangers. He posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.154 WHiP over his 43.1 innings, striking out 40 batters with ten walks. The 40-year-old said that he wants to pitch again in 2025, telling Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News that he feels he can still compete at the major league level.

If he does return in 2025, Scherzer will receive a significant pay cut. Scherzer earned just over $43.3M this season, the highest non-deferred salary of any MLB player and one dollar more than Justin Verlander. The Rangers only paid $12.5M of the contract, with the Mets picking up the rest of his salary as part of the trade that sent him to Texas in 2023. 

Scherzer received more than just his salary from his contract with the Mets. He also received a $15M payout from the Nationals as part of his deferred contract. Scherzer will be receiving that deferred money through 2028. Ultimately, as Scherzer received over $58.3M this season, he made just under $6.5M per start.