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Washington Nationals: Max Scherzer market coming into focus

By David Hill

Jul 29, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) prepares to throw a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) prepares to throw a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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At this point, we know more about where Max Scherzer will not go than where he will end up. The Washington Nationals ace has already stated that he prefers to go to the west coast, and that he is looking for a team that he can sign an extension with. He has already said that he will not accept a trade to either the Mets or the Yankees, eliminating two potential options.

On Thursday, Scherzer’s market came even more into focus. While he would potentially accept a trade to the Red Sox, Scherzer has said that he would decline a deal to either the Astros or Phillies.

Max Scherzer’s market coming into focus for Washington Nationals

It is not a surprise that either the Astros or Phillies would be on his no-trade list. Scherzer likely would not want to pitch against the Nationals in the NL East, leading to his rejecting a trade to either the Mets or Phillies. Meanwhile, the Astros still have the stigma of AstroGate on them, which may be why Scherzer would not want to head there.

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Teams had also been waiting to see how Scherzer would perform as he was scratched from his outing on Sunday. He certainly looked healthy during Game One of the Nationals’ doubleheader on Thursday, picking up the victory as he allowed one run on three hits and three walks over six innings, striking out five.

As Scherzer’s market continues to unfold, other teams are showing their own interests. The Padres are reportedly focusing more on acquiring Jose Berrios than Scherzer, removing one possible destination, although Berrios may not be traded until Scherzer sets the market.

That trade could happen in the next few hours. The Nationals had felt a deal was possible on Wednesday, but their COVID situation likely pushed any deals aside. Additionally, teams wanted to make certain of his health before paying what is expected to be a steep price for his services. Scherzer has checked the boxes.

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Max Scherzer’s trade market is starting to come into focus. The Washington Nationals ace may be on the move in the next few hours.

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