Watch CBS News

Max Scherzer On Cover Of Sports Illustrated [PHOTO]

By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

CBS DETROIT - On this week's cover, Sports Illustrated asks the question baseball fans have been debating since news emerged that Detroit Tigers ace Max Scherzer turned down a monster contract extension from the Tigers.

"Max Scherzer has a Cy Young arm and a beautiful mind to match, but did he make a dumb wager on his future?"

The main headline -- "Mad Max's $144 Million Bet" -- sums up the significance of the 2014 season for the man who in 2013 won 21 games, had the best WHIP in the American League, started the All-Star Game and ultimately won the Cy Young.

The Tigers reportedly offered Scherzer $144 million for six years, putting him at an average of $24 million per season, which would make Scherzer one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball. He becomes a free agent after this season.

Through his first four starts of 2014, Scherzer is 1-1. He has an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 0.963. So far, the gamble seems to be paying off.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.