PHOENIX — Max Scherzer paraded around the champagne-soaked visitors’ clubhouse at Chase Field with the World Series trophy held high above his head and teammates following him in celebration.
The three-time Cy Young award winner and former Mets pitcher was savoring every moment of the Rangers’ first World Series title on Wednesday, even as he was quick to admit he didn’t contribute as much as he would have liked.
It was certainly a different feel for Scherzer than in 2019, when he won a World Series title with the Nationals as the staff ace.
“This one, it took me to be a better teammate more than anything,” Scherzer said after the Rangers beat the Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game 5 of the World Series.
Scherzer was removed from the roster a day earlier because of back spasms that forced him to leave early from his Game 3 start.
The right-hander pitched three scoreless innings before his back tightened up.
Scherzer had two short ineffective starts against the Astros in the ALCS after returning from the injured list.
A strained teres major muscle had cost him most of the regular season’s final month.
“Obviously I would love to pitch more, but my body didn’t let me,” Scherzer said. “It takes everybody to be able to win one of these championships and for me I am just looking at this one as we won this together.”
The Mets dealt Scherzer to Texas at the trade deadline for infield prospect Luisangel Acuña as part of a roster overhaul.
Scherzer, who went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts for the Rangers, exercised his player option for next season worth $43.3 million as part of his agreement in waiving his no-trade clause with the Mets.
The Rangers are also hopeful that former Mets ace Jacob deGrom will return late next summer from his Tommy John surgery rehab.
“You expect more good things,” Scherzer said. “But I’m not stupid. I’m not going to stand here and say we’re going to win this again, because there’s too many great teams in the league. I have been a part of great teams that don’t win it.
“We have a great team coming back and I love this group. I can’t wait to compete with them as well.”