What a coincidence: 4.3 ERA, $43 million.
Max Scherzer has had a bad season for the Mets.
His Mets tenure has been incredibly underwhelming. In the big games, he has continued to crumble.
Atlanta last year to potentially win the division.
Seven runs in Game 1 of the playoffs.
Six runs in the Subway Series this year.
Five runs in San Diego on Sunday to close out the first half of the season.
The future Hall of Famer has not looked like one dating back to last September.
The Mets will have a big question to answer by August 1…or maybe even two: Should they trade Max Scherzer? And will a team be willing to give the Mets good prospects AND take on his $43 million contract for 2024?
To answer that, recap the first half and look ahead to the second half of the Mets season, we bring you a new episode of the “Amazin’ But True” podcast with Nelson Figueroa and me.
‘Amazin’ But True’ Podcast with Jake Brown:
- SCHERZER STINKS: Max stunk on Sunday and continues to be erratic. He has not been able to string strong starts together. Spending $43 million for a 4.31 ERA is unacceptable. Should they consider trading him before the deadline? Would a team take on that $43 million for next season?
- BUCK KILLINGTON: Using your challenge after one pitch was a mistake. It disrupted Scherzer’s rhythm too early and the Mets could have used the challenge later. Why is DJ Stewart in the lineup? Another bases-loaded situation where the Mets don’t score in the fourth inning. Why is Luis Guillorme constantly in the lineup? He isn’t even playing great defense.
- FIRING: Should the Mets consider firing pitching coach Jeremy Hefner this week? Do you consider firing hitting coach Jeremey Barnes? Would either of those make a difference?
- FIRST HALF GRADES: I give the Mets a D. Figgie gives them a C-. They did not get enough from some of their best players: Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Starling Marte. They have all underachieved. Starting pitching and middle relief have been bad. Maybe Pete Alonso in the Home Run Derby will wake up his bat? He’s been terrible since coming back from the wrist injury. Congrats to Kodai Senga for making the All-Star team in his rookie season.
- 2ND HALF PREVIEW: 44 of the 72 remaining games are against teams over .500. Mets need a youth exuberance. Call Ronny Mauricio up on Friday to start the second half. They need another arm in the bullpen. Can they go on a magical run to the playoffs?
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Catch up on all episodes of “Amazin’ But True,” a New York Mets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Jake Brown on Twitter and Instagram @JakeBrownRadio and Nelson Figueroa @FiggieNY. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmazinButTrue.
