Surprising NY Mets rumors linking them to Max Scherzer is bad news for this pitcher

With six movies already scorching theaters, the New York Mets seem ready to craft their own Mad Max sequel—this time taking place on the mound in Queens. And why not? With a three-time Cy Young winner who posted a 20-9 record, a 3.01 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 294 strikeouts over 253 innings during his previous stint with the Mets, the idea of an encore is hard to resist.

Despite a six-man rotation already taking shape, Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reports that the Mets were one of eight teams present for Max Scherzer’s throwing session. If Stearns is pursuing pitching upgrades, Paul Blackburn, acquired from Oakland in 2024, may find himself on the outside looking in. Blackburn offers depth, but in Queens, the bar for the rotation is as high as the expectations.

With the Mets showing interest in Max Scherzer, it’s clear that David Stearns is aiming for more than just rotation depth—he’s focused on building a top-tier rotation.

That puts pitchers like Paul Blackburn in a precarious spot. While his $4 million arbitration-avoiding deal suggests some value, his four-year averages of a 4.81 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 18.7% strikeout rate suggest otherwise. Factor in Blackburn’s recent hand and back injuries and the Mets’ rotation looks increasingly out of reach for him. With the arrivals of Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas, Sean Manaea’s multi-year deal and David Peterson re-establishing himself, the Mets seem to prioritize proven durability and high-impact arms, leaving little room for Blackburn to carve out a role.

With less than three weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie, it’s clear that David Stearns is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to upgrade the Mets’ roster. Even if Scherzer doesn’t make a return to Queens, there are still plenty of options on the free-agent market, in potential trades, and among Mets prospects who could contend for a roster spot. Whether the Mets pull off a blockbuster move or give one of their young arms a shot, one thing’s certain: this offseason drama is far from over, and the season ahead promises to be an exciting one.