Max Scherzer: 5 Potential Destinations for 2015
Oct 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Max Scherzer(37) answers questions in a press conference during workouts before game one of the 2014 ALDS at Oriole Park at Camden. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
After a disappointing early exit from the 2014 postseason, the Detroit Tigers are in a state of flux with their roster construction.
One of the major decisions that GM Dave Dombrowski will have to make this winter will be whether or not to re-sign of 2013 Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, who declined a 6 year/$144 million contract extension prior to the season starting.
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Based on that fact alone, the 30 year-old Scherzer will be looking to get paid handsomely.
Since the Tigers traded for left-handed hurler David Price on July 31st, there have been rumblings that Price’s arrival may have spelled the end for Scherzer given the amount of money it would take to retain the services of both pitchers along with Miguel Cabrera‘s and Justin Verlander‘s hefty contracts.
Something has got to give, and that something appears to be Scherzer.
Not to worry though! Max will surely have plenty of suitors for his pitching expertise.
Oct 2, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Fans arrive before game one of the 2014 ALDS between the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. The Los Angeles Angels
Despite finishing the season with the best record in the majors at 98-64, the Angels are feeling the pain of a division sweep handed to them by the upstart Kansas City Royals. One of the major issues that I felt would plague the Angels when October rolled around was their starting pitching depth. The addition of Max Scherezer would give the Angels a bonafide ace to coincide with the returning Jered Weaver.
Owner Arte Moreno has proven over recent years that he will be one to cut the check when it comes to signing players through free agency and Los Angeles will be an attractive market for Scherzer thanks to the glamor of California and the friendly confines of their home ballpark.
The Angels have made a routine of a sneaking in at the 11th hour and stealing big name free agents during the player movement blitz that is the Winter Meetings.
For all of these factors, the Angels have to be a dark horse suitor at the very least.
Sep 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the seventh inning of the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Boston Red Sox
Boston is intending to spend big this offseason in order to offset their second last place finish in the AL East in three seasons (I know they won their World Series last year, but as a Yankee fan, I neglect to acknowledge that fact).
Maybe they will choose to spend their floods of cash on a player such as Pablo Sandoval, or attempt to buy back the services of Jon Lester. Either way, I guarantee Scherzer’s name is floating around Boston’s front office as we speak and they are plotting a way to put a pair of red socks on him.
Aug 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop
Hanley Ramirez(13) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after a walk off 3-run home run in the twelfth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles has been in the market for a third pitcher to create a three-headed monster in the starting rotation with Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw.
Much like the Angels, the Dodgers are treating the open wound of losing in the division series and should never be counted out when free agency rolls around due to their deep pockets, championship aspirations and sunshine landscape.
It was rumored throughout the summer months that the Dodgers were major players in the David Price sweepstakes, but got cold feet when asked to give up their most coveted prospects.
Although they lost out on Price, don’t be surprised if a desperate Dodgers front office outbids the field to acquire the services of Scherzer.
Sep 25, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop
Derek Jeter(2) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
4. The New York Yankees
My beloved bombers.
After an unprecedented second straight year of missing the postseason, Brian Cashman and company will be on the prowl for any lucrative free agent in their sight.
Max Scherzer seems to fit that bill and would be a nice get for a Yankee team that had a depleted starting rotation in 2014. If Cashman is able to dish out 7 years and $150 plus million for the services of Jacoby Ellsbury, imagine how much dough he will throw at Scherzer.
Maybe the Yankees will go after other targets, but if they choose to zero in on Scherzer, expect him to be hurling fastballs in pinstripes in 2015.
Sep 24, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs mascot Clark hands out baseballs before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
1. The Chicago Cubs
Some may be surprised by the Cubs taking the coveted number one spot, but these two have been linked together for quite some time now.
Theo Epstein has already come out and embellished on his ambitions of contending in the NL Central as early as next season, which leads me to believe that he is planning on making a major splash in free agency.
The Cubs have the revenue stream and large market to be big spenders if they choose to go that route. With an up-and-coming (not to mention inexpensive) young core consisting of mostly boppers, the time may be now to lock up a pitcher of the caliber of Scherzer.
Epstein’s pitch would most likely revolve around the idea of hope and patience, but boy is there a ton to be hopeful for in Chicago.