Washington Nationals could trade Max Scherzer by end of day
By David Hill
Max Scherzer is easily the biggest domino when it comes to the MLB Trade Deadline. The Washington Nationals ace is coveted by every team that is looking to add to their rotation, but his 10-5 rights make such a deal more difficult. He has already said that he has no interest in pitching in New York for either team, and is more willing to waive his ability to block a trade to head to the west coast.
Chances are, that is where he will end up. According to reports, Scherzer could be traded by the end of the day on Wednesday, with the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres considered the favorites for his services.
Sources: Max Scherzer trade talks have continued to intensify, and those close to the conversations believe a deal could be reached by late tonight. The Giants, Dodgers, and Padres are among the top suitors, but other clubs are involved. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2021
Washington Nationals reportedly on cusp of trading Max Scherzer
There is no question that Scherzer could completely change the balance of any divisional race. He is one of the few true aces left in baseball these days, a bona fide top of the rotation arm whose presence immediately makes any team better.
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Although Scherzer has just turned 37 years old, he has continued to dominate when he has been on the mound. He has posted an excellent 2.83 ERA and a 0.886 WHiP in his 105 innings, striking out 142 batters with 25 walks.
The potential timing of a trade would be difficult for the acquiring team. Scherzer had missed his last start due to a triceps issue, and is currently scheduled to have his next start on Thursday. While his MRI came back clean, whichever team acquires Scherzer would likely want to see him make that start before pulling the trigger.
But that risk is minimized by the potential benefit. Scherzer would put whichever of the three NL West teams he would be acquired by, should they pull the trigger, as the immediate favorites to head to the World Series. It is also possible that he would not be a rental, and he also indicated that not only does he want to win this year, but that he would like to stay with the team that brings him on board. This next start, whether it happens in Washington or not, may not matter at all.
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The Washington Nationals are expected to trade Max Scherzer by the end of the day on Wednesday. The countdown is on!