New York Mets Series Preview vs. Washington Nationals April 6th-9th

Scherzer Debut

Mar 25, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Nationals 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Scherzer was arguably the biggest fish on the free agent market, and the Nationals were able to reel him in to the tune of seven-years and $210 million dollars. That is a gargantuan contract, especially for a pitcher, but Scherzer has earned it with two All-Star appearances and the Cy Young award in 2013. He has led the AL in wins the last two seasons, pitching at least 214 innings and reached 231 strikeouts or more the last three seasons.

The Mets will be the first team to have a shot at him in his new uniform. Scherzer will undoubtedly be pumped up not only making his first start as a National, but it being on Opening Day. The Mets will have a tall task in beating Scherzer, and it should be the first of many battles between the two teams this season and over the next seven seasons.

Scherzer has struck out a ton of batters during his career, something the Mets have sometimes struggled with over the last couple of seasons. If Scherzer has things going Monday, the Mets could find it hard to score runs, let alone make much contact. He could approach double-digit strikeouts in his first appearance with the Nationals as this matchup is conducive for his pitching style to succeed.

Next: Nationals Injuries