Max Scherzer is focused on a Texas Rangers World Series repeat instead of individual accomplishments and milestones. The Rangers are hovering around .500 after winning the World Series in 2023, and their inconsistency is primarily a result of the plethora of injuries the ball club is dealing with. In addition to Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle are both battling injuries as well. Both pitchers are expected to return later this season. Nevertheless, Scherzer is still confident in this Rangers team and what they can do to win.
Max Scherzer Still Has Something Left in the Tank
On Saturday, the three-time Cy Young winner was interviewed during the Rangers game against the Cincinnati Reds. Scherzer was asked what he is still chasing in his career. He made it clear that a Rangers World Series is at the top of his wish-list, via FOX Sports MLB on X (formerly Twitter). Scherzer is currently on the injured list.
“I don’t have goals like that,” Scherzer said. “I’m not playing for milestones, I’m just playing to win the World Series. We got a good group here and we have a chance to be able to do this thing again. So that’s the only thing that motivates me, that’s the only thing I’m playing for is to be able to go out there and win the ring.”
Last season, Scherzer pitched to a 3.77 ERA across 27 starts in 2023 with the New York Mets and Rangers. The right-hander recorded a 4.01 ERA in New York before turning in a stellar 3.20 ERA in eight outings with Texas. Although he dealt with injury concerns toward the end of 2023, Scherzer still played a role in the Rangers World Series run.
Scherzer is currently focused on working his way back from injury. He recently began a rehab assignment and is ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in his back. Scherzer could return at some point in May barring any setbacks.
Will Fans Witness a Rangers World Series Repeat?
The Rangers have some uncertainty at the moment. Injuries have been far too common for the team to begin the 2024 campaign. It is difficult to deny the Rangers potential, though. After all, it wasn’t by mistake that Texas earned a Fall Classic victory in 2023. Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Adolis García lead a powerful offensive attack. Despite the injuries in the starting rotation, Nathan Eovaldi has done everything he can to lead the way. The bullpen has endured some ups and downs thus far, but pitchers such as José Leclerc will likely perform better as the season continues.
The offense hasn’t been alarming, especially if like looks like it at times. Texas ranks 12th in MLB in OPS (.717), ninth in batting average (.249) and seventh in homers (30). It’s only the first month of the season and all that it takes is putting it together. When they get on base and produce, they can get on a roll. Repeating as champions will prove to be a challenge, but this Rangers club features a World Series ceiling.
