When Max Scherzer threw serious heat after Alex Avila angered him with a lopsided Fantasy Football trade offer
Max Scherzer and Alex Avila have been friends since they both played for the Detroit Tigers between 2010-14.
Max Scherzer’s first bullpen session of the year is in the books! https://t.co/BZsyqtsuNn
The next time Avila and Scherzer were on the same club was in 2021. After Avila's contract with the Minnesota Twins ended, he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals on January 28, 2021. Scherzer was heading into his seventh season with the franchise.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Avila spoke about reuniting with Scherzer. The former catcher remembered when Scherzer was struggling in a game against the Kansas City Royals in 2013. Avila used an unorthodox method to motivate the pitcher.
During the game, Avila walked to the mound and began discussing a fantasy football trade with Scherzer. The pitcher became confused by his actions, but later realized that the deal he was getting was horribly one-sided.
"At first, it took him off guard, but he was absolutely into it," Avila said.
Once he realized the ridiculousness of the situation, Scherzer was able to readjust and regain his focus on the mound.
The bond between a pitcher and a catcher is important in baseball. Any catcher must be able to read the situation and motivate the pitcher. Avila displayed those traits when he was Scherzer's teammate.
How Alex Avila talks about Max Scherzer's progression as a Pitcher.
In a 2021 interview with SB Nation, Avila was asked about his experience playing with Max Scherzer.
Avila had this to say about the three-time CY Young Award winner:
“Playing with Max in Detroit,” the veteran backstop said, “I was able to see the progression of a pitcher trying to not only get to the big leagues, but stay there." Avila said about Max Scherzer.
Avila also added:
"But then also kind of live up to the expectations and pitch to his capabilities, and figure out what he needed to do on a daily basis in order to achieve that.”
Needless to say, no one doubted that the right person to fire up Scherzer during a game would be Avila.
Max Scherzer, when asked about his advice for younger players:
"When you walk through those doors, make sure you know what you're here for. Are you here for the contract or are you here to win?" https://t.co/pCGGmTDXIi
The catcher seems to know Scherzer very well and knows exactly what buttons to push to get him in the right mindset. Although Avila retired after the 2021 season, their partnership will still be remembered among baseball fans.
Avila posted a .233/.348/.393 slashline with 105 home runs and 397 RBIs over a span of 1052 MLB games.