Newly-acquired Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer wasted no time in making a pitch of his own, not from the mound, but rather during an interview on “Foul Territory.”
The three-time Cy Young Award winner had a message for coveted free agent Shohei Ohtani…
“Money is great, but winning is better … If you want to come win, that’s better than money, I promise,” he said in attempt to convince Ohtani to sign with the World Series champs.
"Money's great, but winning's better."
Max Scherzer shares his pitch for Shohei Ohtani to join the @Rangers 🏆
▶️ https://t.co/6KoSRqSgk2 pic.twitter.com/PHW2jHWj6C
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 20, 2023
While the statement carried a hint of jest, Scherzer’s underlying message seemed clear – consider the allure of future success with the reigning champions in Texas.
The veteran pitcher, who recently joined the Rangers just before the trade deadline, is still basking in the glory of the franchise’s first-ever World Series championship.
Scherzer, a sure-fire future Hall of Famer, is set to earn a substantial $43 million in 2024 (making it easier for him to make comments about money!)
Ohtani, the two-way superstar from the Los Angeles Angels, is in the spotlight as the most highly sought-after free agent this winter.
The Japanese phenom spent six seasons with the Angels and is likely to sign an MLB record deal, with the Rangers being one of his potential preferred teams.
Max Scherzer makes his pitch to Shohei Ohtani 👀 pic.twitter.com/kgmGVMHkfW
— The 3-0 Take Podcast (@threeohtake) November 20, 2023
The Angels’ postseason drought of six years has left Ohtani hungry for victory. The two-time American League MVP finished ahead of Rangers infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien in the 2023 MVP race.
Ohtani has been a force on the mound as well, boasting a 38-19 record and a 3.01 ERA over the past five seasons with the Angels.
Despite finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022 with a 15-9 record and a 2.33 ERA, Ohtani’s 2023 season was marred by injuries, culminating in UCL surgery on his right elbow in early October.
Unfortunately, Ohtani will be sidelined from pitching during the upcoming season but is expected to return to the mound in 2025.
Most people think Ohtani will wind up with the Dodgers.
What do you think?
Do the Rangers have a shot?
Where will he end up???