MLB Free Agency: Max Scherzer – “It was my dream to play for the Cardinals”
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: multiple exposure) American League pitcher Max Scherzer (37) of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch in the 5th inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers All-Star, Max Scherzer will become a free agent about one week after the World Series unless, in a major upset, the Tigers sign him. Having turned down a huge deal in spring training (a reported six years at $144 million), Scherzer would have little reason to sign with the Tigers now, with free agency so close.
Scherzer would be the most talented and accomplished pitcher to leave the Tigers as a free agent since Jack Morris left following the 1990 season.
More from Detroit Tigers
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
- Javier Baez Listed Among Worst Contracts in MLB by The Athletic
- Tigers’ Interest in Kenta Maeda Could be a Disaster for 2024 and Beyond
Morris, who is considered one of the best Tigers pitchers of all-time, is almost entirely remembered for is legacy post Detroit. In 1991 he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. He is now a part-time member of the Twins broadcast crew and was adorned in Twins colors during the celebrity softball game, one of the warm-up acts for the MLB All-Star game.
Could Scherzer’s time with Detroit become a distant memory if he leaves the club during free agency? Or furthermore, could Scherzer actually remain in the Motor City?
Scherzer spoke with reporters on Monday about the possibility of returning to his native St. Louis to play for the Cardinals.
"“When I was a little kid, it was my dream to play for the Cardinals, but as I got to the big leagues with Detroit, it’s my dream to play in Detroit. My goal is to win and with this clubhouse — we have so much fun together — so right now I’m living my dream.”"
Naturally, the follow-up question was if his goal to play in Detroit was long-term.
"“That remains to be seen,” said Scherzer."
Since August 2012, Scherzer has a record of 38-7. He has made the All-Star team in both seasons since that dominance began.
Scherzer entered the 2014 All-Star break with an 11-3 record, a 3.35 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 146 strikeouts in 126 1/3 innings.
The former Cy Young Award winner will draw plenty of interest once MLB free agency kicks-off. It will be interesting to see if 2014 marked Scherzer’s final time as an All-Star with Detroit.