MLB Rumors: Mets, Dodgers, Rangers Active With Max Scherzer, Corey Seager Likely Signing Soon

Update: Max Scherzer has agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the Mets, according to reports.

Original Story

MLB’s best free agents are quickly coming off the market with the impending lockout just days away. An elite shortstop and starting pitcher could sign contracts Monday, and a few teams stand out as possible landing spots.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to retain Max Scherzer and Corey Seager, but they’ve got competition from teams willing to spend big money for the 2022 season and beyond. The New York Mets are reportedly getting close to acquiring Scherzer. The Texas Rangers are viewed as a real player for Seager.

Rumors began to swirl Sunday that Scherzer and New York might be on the verge of a deal. The three-time Cy Young winner had been expected to sign with a team on the West Coast, but the Mets have reportedly made the most lucrative offer. New York is prepared to give Scherzer a contract worth more than $40 million per season, SNY’s Andy Martino reported.

The Mets have already made a few key additions in free agency. New York signed outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, as well as All-Star infielder Eduardo Escobar for contracts totaling $124.5 million.

Scherzer is expected to pick a team Monday and Seager could do the same. There had been rumors earlier in the offseason that the New York Yankees were favorites to sign the shortstop, but another American League team is now viewed as the biggest threat to the Dodgers.

The Texas Rangers are pursuing Seager, even after signing a marquee shortstop in free agency. Texas inked Marcus Semian to a seven-year, $175 million contract Monday. The Rangers could get Seager and shift Semian to second base, where he played for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021.

The Rangers signed starter Jon Gray to a reported four-year, $56 million deal. Texas is also a contender to sign 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, according to reports.