The Tampa Bay Rays have already established themselves as one of the more interesting teams of the trade deadline. They have improved their lineup by acquiring Nelson Cruz, then traded Rich Hill just a day later. While they are clearly looking to buy prior to the deadline, they have also displayed a willingness to sell pieces if the price is right.
Trading Hill also made more sense with the latest rumor surrounding the Rays. According to reports, they are monitoring the Max Scherzer trade market as they look to further strengthen their roster.
One team I've heard that's in on Max Scherzer: The Tampa Bay Rays. They have the prospects to get it done. Nothing imminent or anything, but something to keep an eye on
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) July 26, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays could shake up AL East with Max Scherzer
The Rays could, in theory, afford to make such a move. They do not have anything close to a high payroll, and the farm system has more than enough talent to land an ace of Scherzer’s caliber. Tampa Bay could easily match the Nationals’ asking price, no matter how high it may be.
But there are other possible considerations. Scherzer has his 10-5 rights, and can block a trade if he wants. It had already been reported that if he was to waive his ability to decline a trade, he would want an extension. Considering how the Rays do not spend anything close to what it would take to sign Scherzer on any player, such a deal may not be forthcoming.
Nonetheless, adding Scherzer would shake up the AL East. Despite his injury issues this season, he has posted a typically dominant season, with a 2.83 ERA and a 0.886 WHiP over his 105 innings, striking out 142 batters with 25 walks. Adding him to the Rays’ rotation would counter the Red Sox impending addition of Chris Sale, keeping the division from being a foregone conclusion.
In the end, as it always does with the Rays, it comes down to the financial considerations. They could easily afford to bring Scherzer on board, giving them a playoff tested ace who could be the missing piece. But his potential asking price for an extension could keep that from happening.
The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly monitoring Max Scherzer’s trade market. However, given his request for an extension, that is just a pipe dream.