#free-agency-signings

#free-agency-signings

On that day, Washington officially announced the signing of Max Scherzer to a seven-year, $210 million contract. At the time, it marked the largest deal ever given to a right-handed pitcher and a clear signal that the Nationals were serious about winning. Scherzer arrived in Washington from the Detroit Tigers. Already an established ace, he still exceeded expectations. From 2015 to 2021, he posted a 2.80 ERA across 189 appearances and struck out 1,610 batters.

Making the playoffs is as common as putting the puck into the net. However, one year after winning the President's Trophy as the team with the most points at the end of the regular season, they would miss the playoffs. Everything went wrong and they could not find their game quickly enough to turn it around. Star players did not produce and teams above them did not hit any skids.