What to expect from Max Scherzer on the Mets in 2022

The New York Mets made the splash of the off-season before the lockout occurred, with the signing of Max Scherzer. Scherzer is coming off another great season which saw him in the CY Young contention, splitting time between the Nationals and Dodgers.

Scherzer inked a three-year, $130 million contract with the orange and blue, giving the team the best one two starting rotation. With a big contract under the bright lights of New York City, let's take a look at some expectations for Scherzer's first year on the Mets.

Building Scherzer's 2022 season with the Mets

Scherzer's 2021 season saw him notch a 2.46 ERA over 30 starts. That was good enough for him to finish third in the Cy Young, his 5th straight top three finish (excluding the 2020 shortened season). Consistency will be the first thing the Mets will need from Scherzer. With that being said, the Mets will need Scherzer to make 30 starts this season.

The 2021 Mets rotation was plagued by injuries and poor performance, leading to only two starting pitchers make more than 20 starts. With Jacob deGrom's health remaining uncertain after missing the entire second half of the season, the Amazins need Scherzer to be a workhouse.

As all fans of the orange and blue should know, wins for a starting pitcher, mean very little. This was evident in Degrom's two Cy winning seasons. The only thing that matters, is giving the Mets a chance to win during Scherzer's starts, which their is every indication that he will. An ERA that would help him achieve that would be 2.52.

During the search for a new manager, it was reported that Scherzer preferred new Mets skipper Buck Showalter. While the two have never been on the same team, Scherzer having Showalter be his preference for manager makes sense.

Scherzer is known for his competitive fire and his intense preparation. Similarly, Showalter is known for his preparation and his in-game decisions (despite Zack Britton in the 2016 ALWC). If there are situations where Scherzer wants to stay in the game and Showalter is undecided, it is likely Scherzer stays in the game.

If all goes to plan, Scherzer will be pitching in big games for the team come September and October. In his postseason career, Scherzer has racked up a 7-6 record, with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.104 WHIP. Having Degrom and Scherzer to lead any rotation, would ensure those two start four games in a best of seven, and potentially three in a best of five.

With everything considered here's what to expect from Scherzer in the 2022 season.

1. Stat line

15-7, 2.52 ERA, .9075 WHIP

2. Individual awards

All-Star, All-MLB Team, top five Cy-Young finish

3. The end goal

2022 World Series champion