New York Mets Starter Speaks On Opt Clause After 2023 Season

He has an opt-out clause after the 2023 season.

However, New York Mets starter Max Scherzer is not currently considering using the opt-out clause following the season.

"I'm not even thinking about it because when I negotiated it in, the reasoning for it was that I wouldn't be stuck in an organization that wasn't moving in the right direction.”

Max Scherzer speaks out about his Mets opt-out (via @martinonyc) https://t.co/kCZDboE2PV pic.twitter.com/Eq7o4zNwXj

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 21, 2023

The veteran right-hander had requested the clause in his contract to give himself an opportunity to play for a World Series contender if the Mets were not on track to win one in his third year with the team.

While the direction of the organization was uncertain with Jacob deGrom leaving for the Texas Rangers, Scherzer is more than content with the addition of Justin Verlander.

Max Scherzer is working with the pitch clock in live BP: pic.twitter.com/b3EBVxpNIk

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 20, 2023

Scherzer is set to make his first Grapefruit League start on Sunday against the Washington Nationals, although he's unlikely to pitch more than two innings.

The thirty-eight-year-old coming off an excellent first season in New York, where he produced impressive numbers with a 2.29 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 173 strikeouts across 145.1 innings.

The Cy Young winner will have competition for the Opening Day starting nod from Verlander, who was signed by the Mets to a two-year, $86 million contract this offseason. Photo Credit:  Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports