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Max Scherzer contract: Mets give three-time Cy Young winner largest AAV in MLB history

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The New York Mets are putting the finishing touches on an agreement with right-handed starter Max Scherzer for a three-year contract worth $130 million. Such a contract would set a Major League Baseball record for the highest average annual value (AAV). 

Scherzer’s contract works out to $43.3 million AAV, exceeding the previous record that was set by Yankees ace Gerrit Cole ($36 million) during the 2019-20 offseason. Cole himself shattered a mark that was set by Mike Trout, when he signed an extension worth more than $35 million annually with the Angels.

Here’s a look at the new top 10, according to Cot’s Contracts:

Scherzer, 37, ranked No. 7 on CBS Sports top-50 free agents list. Here’s what we wrote at the time:

Scherzer would have ranked a touch higher prior to the “dead arm” issues he experienced during the postseason. Alas, we had no choice but to dock him without having a good feel for what, if anything, those woes will mean for him in the future. If Scherzer is right as rain, he’s still one of the top pitchers in the majors thanks to his special blend of stuff and guile.

Scherzer’s addition caps off a frenzied week for the Mets. New general manager Billy Eppler agreed to terms with a trio of position players last Friday, inking infielder Eduardo Escobar, utility player Mark Canha, and outfielder Starling Marte. Those three received contracts worth more than $120 million combined.

Former Marlins president David Samson broke down Scherzer’s deal on Monday’s Nothing Personal with David Samson. Listen below:

Prior to signing Scherzer, the Mets had been connected to right-hander Kevin Gausman, who has since signed a five-year pact with the Toronto Blue Jays worth $110 million. 

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