In a recent poll conducted by MLB.com reporters, players were asked to identify baseball’s fiercest competitor.
The poll produced some interesting results, but the winner ending up being a future Hall of Famer who is well-known for his legendary intensity: Max Scherzer.
With nearly 30% of participants choosing him, Scherzer emerged as the undeniable winner.
Rounding out the top five were Bryce Harper, Ronald Acuña Jr., Gerrit Cole and Nolan Arenado along with Justin Verlander being tied for fifth.
There's competitive people and then there's these players. 😤 pic.twitter.com/RWDtkUVBGA
— MLB (@MLB) March 17, 2024
Nicknamed “Mad Max,” Scherzer has cultivated an intimidating reputation over his illustrious career.
One National League outfielder, speaking on the condition of anonymity, admitted, “Scherzer scares me.”
This sentiment is shared by many in the baseball world, including managers and pitching coaches who have witnessed his relentless competitiveness firsthand.
Fiercest competitor in the MLB 😤 https://t.co/VMv9cbLUBV
— JA Quahliero (@JABaseball_10) October 31, 2019
Reflecting on Scherzer’s intensity, ex-catcher Jonathan Lucroy once described his former teammate as “just nuts” and “definitely the most intense dude I’ve ever caught.”
Frank Curreri, a former Arizona Diamondbacks catcher, drew a vivid comparison, likening Scherzer to “an MMA fighter on the pitcher’s mound.”
“He’s got that little bit of crazy in him,” Curreri remarked. “That’s what makes him as good as he is.”
Thank you @Max_Scherzer, you crazy SOB pic.twitter.com/RVOQC6a3lt
— Bren Champ Reilly (@BrenChampReilly) July 29, 2021
Despite his famous intensity, Scherzer is getting older and his productivity on the mound has dipped.
Once considered the best pitcher in all of baseball, Scherzer has largely struggled in recent years – especially in big games … Although, his intensity remains as high as ever.
The Max Scherzer discount has reached silly levels in redraft leagues – go out and get this ol' beast.
Even if his numbers aren't peak Scherzer, he's still more of a sure thing than the other names you'll see floating around his rock-bottom ADP.
Might see early June return. https://t.co/GrzVhgQR9J
— Doc’s Dynasty Stache (@DocHollidayDyna) March 16, 2024
The 39-year-old pitcher, who won his second World Series title following a midseason trade from the New York Mets to the Texas Rangers, underwent back surgery in December.
Although he has rejoined the Rangers in camp, he isn’t expected to return to pitching until June. Injuries have unfortunately become a reoccurring issue for Scherzer in recent years.
The Max Scherzer dog has arrived!! pic.twitter.com/gQZQzt1SJo
— sans culottes (@tfletch2) March 16, 2024
Speaking about his recovery process, Scherzer emphasized the importance of taking it day by day and not rushing.
“I’m not looking to beat any date,” Scherzer told MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry. “I haven’t put a timeline on it. I just look at it day by day. What can I do? Can I do more? Or do I have to do less each day?”
“You start playing that end game and you start thinking about what date you can get back by [and] that’s when you get in trouble because then you actually start trying to compete and push yourself to make that date.”
Max Scherzer cleared for baseball activities. He’s back with the club. https://t.co/vKKruIRUzS
— Dave L Funnell (@sportz_nutt51) March 16, 2024
What are your thoughts on the poll?
Do you agree that Scherzer is the most competitive player in all of baseball?
What would your top five look like?
Speaking of Mad Max, just how much does he have left in the tank???