Rangers attempting huge deadline splash for Max Scherzer

(AP photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Chris Young doesn’t mess around.

The Rangers general manager is attempting to acquire three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer from the Mets for a package that would likely included multiple prospects.

Multiple outlets are reporting that a deal is done, pending Scherzer waiving his no-trade rights, and a baseball source said that the Mets are one of several teams the Rangers have contacted with the trade deadline looming Tuesday.

The deal would shake up a rotation that needs an upgrade after Jacob deGrom was injured earlier in the season and with left-handers Martin Perez and Andrew Heaney struggling.

By adding Scherzer, the Rangers would address some of their relief needs by moving a starter to the bullpen.

The deal wasn’t official as of happy hour in Texas. Scherzer told media covering the Mets on Friday that he intends to exercise his $43 million player option for 2024. One thing that could lead to him waiving his no-trade clause is that he won a Cy Young with Washington when Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux was with the Nationals.

The deal would likely include the Mets taking on a hefty portion of Scherzer’s contract, including the $16 million that remains this season and the 2024 pact.

In turn, they would have access to a higher class of prospects, though there is some conflicting thought on if shortstop Walcott would included.

He was pulled Saturday afternoon after two at-bats of an Arizona Complex League game, and a source said that Walcott is not injured. However, a national writer tweeted that Walcott was pulled for disciplinary reasons.

The lineup for Double A Frisco does not include infielders Luisangel Acuna and Thomas Saggese.

Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com