3:41PM: In another wrinkle to the situation, Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start tonight against the Orioles due to what the Nationals described as “mild discomfort” in the veteran ace’s right tricep. (Jon Lester will instead take the ball for Washington.) The injury doesn’t appear to be serious, as Scherzer told MLB.com’s Jessica Camerato and other reporters that he expects to make his next start, and his triceps issue stemmed from a recent batting practice session rather than anything pitching-related.
11:12AM: The Nationals have long been one of the more stubborn teams in terms of maintaining the opportunity for contention, and that’s no less true this season. But with the Nationals playoff odds currently at 2.2 percent per Fangraphs, Max Scherzer is “being discussed in potential trades,” per Jon Heyman of the MLB Network (via Twitter).
Heyman makes no specific mention of the Nats’ decision-makers, however, and even if GM Mike Rizzo were open to moving the future Hall of Famer, he’d still need to get the okay from owner Mark Lerner. Historically, trading off pieces of any kind has been a tough sell to Lerner, let alone Scherzer, whom the club has long envisioned as the centerpiece of the organization.
Heyman is no doubt right that Scherzer’s availability would re-shape the trade market. He would be far and away the most impactful pitcher available. The 36-year-old shows no signs of slowing down with a 2.83 ERA through 105 innings this season.
circaflex
If the Nationals can trade Scherzer now for a few key pieces, then resign him in the off season if he wants to come back, would be the perfect scenario.
MetsFan22
That would be very smart. And make moves next year.
Fever Pitch Guy
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Chief Two Hands
How’s that working out so far?
Francys01
I could see the Giants trading for Max Scherzer. That rotation would definitely improve, although in order to approve a trade Scherzer will ask for an extension like his agent stated Scott Boras. But, who knows. We shall see if he is traded at the trade deadline.
Simodine
Boris has since down played that.
maxbaseball09
Saying a rotation is going to improve with Scherzer being added is like saying the sky is blue.
A'sfaninUK
It’s also like believing known liar jon heyman on ANYTHING he says
tidybowlman
Jon and Boras are connected. He has credibility.
stymeedone
@francy
Due to his contract, they might be the only one who can afford him. He would put NYY and Boston over the threshold. Dodgers maybe, but they don’t like giving up top prospects. I would be surprised to see a team hoping for a one game wild card to be willing to pay the price. Maybe the Phillies? Tampa would be a stunner!
Dodger Dog
The Dodgers have given up top prospects at the deadline multiple times.
damascusj
Padres
tstats
Dodgers wouldn’t really need to give up TOP prospects
wwilson237
He isn’t coming to Philly. I would say Giants or Houston
cgbeauchamp1958
There is no MLB team in Tampa.
mgomrjsurf
Tampa has the Rays.
Houston has not been mentioned for any of the big stars who might get Traded,
Dodgers,Padres,White Sox and Maybe Cardinals. Rays if they give up Walls,Brujan and so on.
Not a clever name
Giants are looking for controllable pitching that might work.
Benjamin101677
I think it would be a waste for the giants. The giants are a good team better than people thought but they have a lot of free agents this coming off season they need to get the pieces it would cost with them as to off set the free agents that will leave.
The giants got better quicker than anyone thought. There core stars all have recent World Series wins no reason to mortgage the 2022 and beyond season for a rental player
AndyWarpath
Allegedly scherzer will only waive his no trade clause for an extension from the acquiring team.
stymeedone
Boros backtracked that statement. Try to keep up.
AndyWarpath
Totally unnecessary to be rude.
yankeejim
Boros is well known for his honesty, right?
Chief Two Hands
Who is Boros? I guess I need to “keep up.”
gmenfan
Geez, relax. So quick with the snide comments.
Benjamin101677
I think that he would waive it most players want to win a lot more fun coming to the ball park on August and September if the team is winning. It would only be for 2 months think if Max could have a shot at October baseball again and pitch well it would only increase what he could earn going forward
bucsfan0004
If you got traded from your place of employment to another place of employment in another city, would you go back to your original job? Of course not, which is why it hardly ever happens in sports.
Deleted User
It really depends on context. People are asked to go on travel assignments for work all the time. They typically come with bonus pay as well.
stanthefan
Totally agree, Steve. I don’t think a player of Scherzer’s pedigree is worried so much about job security with his new employer of half a season. If he were a ‘fringe’ player, sure. The likelihood of that fringe player, who may be worried about his next contract would agree to waive a no-trade clause without an extension.
I think, if Scherzer lives in the DC area, that he wouldn’t even sell his home if traded knowing he very much would likely resign with the Nats.
stanthefan
To me, it’s simply:
1. If Scherzer feels like he is going to resign with the Nats, it’s ultimately going to improve the Nats for the future if agrees to be traded.
2. Does Scherzer want to spend the 2nd half competing for a playoff team and possibly winning another title.
chalk73
Rickey Henderson did it in 93. Left Oakland at trade deadline to Toronto. Signed back with Oakland in 94
SonnySteele
Aroldis Chapman did it. Traded by Cubs to Yankees on July 25, 2016. Won a World Series. Returned to Yankees as free agent in December.
seth3120
That would be the exception not the rule. While it may be possible it’s highly unlikely. Even if Scherzer doesn’t demand an extension agreement prior to a trade the fact that he mentioned it leads me to believe he’s less than hell bent on returning like Chapman was. Chapman and the Yankees had a verbal agreement that while he was to be traded he wanted to come back and the Yankees wanted him back. The Nats have been very aggressive on the pitching market so I wouldn’t rule it out but it happens so seldom you’d have to assume his chances of returning are highly unlikely. I’m sure it’s happened a number of times with baseballs long history and the number of trades but Chapman is literally the only player I can remember resigning with the team who unloaded him at the deadline
Deleted_User
@seth3120 As has been said before. The reason it isn’t super common is because usually the player’s original team can’t afford to bring him back (or they just aren’t interested in bringing him back at that price point). That obviously isn’t the case with the Nats and Scherzer. While he’s obviously not going to sign with the Nats for half of what the market offers, I wouldn’t expect him to do that even if they don’t trade him. There is just no evidence that trading Max will be the difference between him signing with the Nats and signing elsewhere, all other things equal.
chino31
Chapman?
Fever Pitch Guy
He got it backwards. Chapman was traded by the Yankees to the Cubs, where he won a World Series.
believeitornot
Kenny Lofton did it also. Indians-Braves-Indians.
sergefunction
Boris Boros Boras Chapman. Try to keep up.
It’s getting more difficult by the comment, but please do try.
Deleted_User
@bucsfan0004 well sure you would if you original job is offering you the most money.
Not a clever name
Yeah if I was sent to work with a successful company while my company went through a reorganization and then got to come back to my original position at the original company a few short months later for more pay, in a situation where I could be more successful, sign me up.
Benjamin101677
I believe that most teams that trade their super stars normally do it because they can’t afford a extension. The Nationals are the one team that has a good repo with Scott his agent and the pockets to get him back if they wanted him.
The players we will see traded this summer either the team is going into a rebuild type model or the free agent price will be out of price range.
Surprised that more teams don’t do what Oakland does and sell it stars with more control for a better return
Albert Belle's corked bat
I don’t know the statistics on that one, but rarely does a player return back to the team that traded him at the deadline. Wishful thinking.
andyg37
It doesn’t happen often because typically the team trading away the player isn’t any good or doesn’t have a bigger payroll. The player is also usually on the backside of their career and either wants to win a ring or maximize money. Aroldis Chapman is the only one I can think of off the top of my head where the above criteria didn’t really apply
Admin3 MLBrumormill
Ricky Ledee Yankees back in early 2000’s
Jean Matrac
andy:
I agree. Chapman and Henderson are the exceptions.
Teams that trade a guy, whose contract is ending, is usually doing so to replenish the farm. They’re usually going to rebuild, and whether it’s a soft rebuild, or a full tear-down, most guys are far enough along in their careers that they don’t want to sign with a rebuilding club. They want a contending club.
Max could re-sign with the Nats after being traded, if he thinks they have a real shot at a title. But probably he would probably prefer a team with a better opportunity, especially if that team was willing to pay top dollar.
BobGibsonFan
So… besides chapman… Henderson… jim slaton… and probably a few others, it never happens. I got it.
Deleted_User
@BobGibsonFan and Jason Hammel, Jeurys Familia, Jim Johnson and Alex Wood.
Now I bet you can’t name even ONE player who was traded during or right before his contract year, didn’t sign with his original team and who we can say with any kind of confidence at all that he WOULD have stayed with his original team had they not traded him.
Not a clever name
I put 1k on the giants in April to win the west and 1k to win the worlds series it pays 52k and 88k and I went back to put another 1k on the dodgers to win the west last week when taking my son to UNR, thinking I could hedge my bet and it only paid 1500 so I just decided to hope the bullpen falls apart instead.
Not a clever name
Half of Oakland’s players the last 15 years.
theoldviolin
Rickey Henderson did it in the early 90’s. He was traded from Oakland to Toronto with the stipulation that Toronto would allow him to become a free agent. He resigned with Oakland that off season.
Deleted_User
@Albert Belle’s corked bat that’s because usually the player’s original team can’t afford to bring the player back (or just isn’t interested in bringing him back at that price point). That obviously isn’t the case with the Nats and Scherzer.
twisted laces
STL
Al Hirschen
Yankees………
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Except he wants an extension if he decides to waive his no trade clause
Deleted_User
Boras already backtracked that statement and it sounded like posturing to begin with.
seth3120
Doubt he leaves and resigns with the Nationals. Although it’s possible and has happened it’s extremely rare. Plus Scherzer had said to approve a trade he may ask for an extension to be negotiated first. Doesn’t mean he will stick to that but it is another sign that it the Nats trade him he’s unlikely to be back. If he were to sign an extension I kind of like the Cardinals here. Max is from a suburb of Stl and has said he would like to come to Stl since his days in Detroit. The Cardinals need another top arm for this year and beyond with plenty of payroll opening up. But it would depend on him signing an extension having him for this year alone looks to be a waste at what he’s going to cost. They could possibly even go after him this off-season if he doesn’t sign an extension with acquiring club prior to then. But at any rate I think the Nats should absolutely move him or sign him prior to the offseason. He’d be the crown jewel of the trade market with all the pitcher needy teams out there this year
Deleted_User
@seth3120 the reason it isn’t common is because usually the player’s original team either can’t afford to bring him back or just isn’t interested in bringing him back at that price point. That obviously isn’t the case with the Nats and Max Scherzer.
And Boras already backpedaled his “not accepting a trade without an extension” statement.
louwhitakerisahofer
If I had a dime for every player thAt resigned with a team that traded him at the deadline, I’d have how much money?
Deleted_User
I don’t know the exact amount. But the real question is how much money would you have if you had a dime for every player that was traded during his contract year, didn’t re-sign with his original team and who we can confidently say that he WOULD have stayed with his original team HAD they not traded him, all other things equal?
brickhaus
$4.20
MetsFan22
1 team realizes it’s not going to happen. Two more to go.
mgomrjsurf
Which other 2 the Yankees?
VonPurpleHayes
Lol. Hilarious. The mighty injury-riddled maintaining a slim lead on the worst division in baseball can very much be had. It all depends on the trade deadline.
MetsFan22
You keep saying that but it doesn’t change anything. The Mets lineup is finally healthy and scoring runs. I don’t see how anyt team in the east is even close to the Mets. This would be a 10-+ division lead if we didn’t get hit with the worst injuries in baseball. Once our pitching comes back it’s over.
Luke Nowak
White Sox have something to say about that
MetsFan22
They don’t. But they are top 5. Stats actually agree with me so…
The Baseball Fan
Lol. The White Sox have preformed better than the Mets with arguably worse injuries and still have one of the best rotations in baseball. Stop overhyping the Mets because they will really disappoint you if you think they’re gonna go somewhere this season.
The Baseball Fan
The Mets aren’t even a top 10 team in baseball, I would rather be the Indians right now than the Mets
@DaOldDerbyBastard
Please stop embarrassing the rest of us Mets fans, Metsfan.
brian214
Just like when people say if the Phillies were just league average in closing games they would have a comfortable division lead? C’mon, most teams have excuses as to why they are in the position they are. Just enjoy what will hopefully be an exciting second half of the season.
The Baseball Fan
I respect the Mets as a team, most of my family are White Sox, Cubs and Mets fans, and there are many good Mets fans, but I think MetsFan22 comments about his team are just downright ignorant.
twisted laces
STL
mlb1225
Maybe top 5 pitching wise. But they’re positions players next to last in the MLB in runs scored, 24th in home runs, 19th in OPS, 18th in wOBA, 16th in wOBA, and overall 18th in fWAR.
802Ghost
Rotfl ok
stanthefan
As another Mets fan, I never approach any Mets success without remembering how the Mets can find away to break your heart.
Maybe some (like Metsfan22) don’t recall blowing a 7 1/2 game lead in September with 17 games to go or the very next year doing the same thing, but I won’t ever forget it.
Until the season is over and the Mets win the division which hasn’t happen in quite sometime, it’s anyone’s division.
And as you all know, injures is not an excuse. They happen to every team. It’s those that manage to win despite those injuries that matter.
RunDMC
I love definitive statements from MetsFan22. Always makes for some fun future bulletin board fodder when history repeats itself. It’s almost as if after you put the period in “it’s over.” — somewhere in the world, deGrom’s tendons stretched a little tighter.
Learning from the past is overrated. Be you, MF22.
VonPurpleHayes
I don’t disagree that the only reason the division is close is because of injuries. I disagree with the notion that the Mets will be significantly better down the stretch this season. First they have a really tough schedule. Second, you can’t assume they get much of anything out of Carassco and Syndergaard. They aren’t magically going to come back with no preseason and be in top form. I think the Mets are what they are this year. A decent team in a garbage division. Still likely playoff bound and full of good depth, but not the elite team you keep talking about. And yes, injuries hit the Mets hard. Never said otherwise, but the Braves were also decimated.
believeitornot
If the pitching comes back. Who knows when DeGrom will come back. He probably got hurt because of the increase in innings. Strohman opted out last year. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten hurt yet. Walker pitched just over 53 innings last year. I expect him to get hurt too.
MetsFan22
I don’t get the confusion… I wasn’t talking about power rankings I was talking about injury rankings. Mets number 1
Not a clever name
If you think a healthy Mets can compete with a giants or dodgers or Padres even with the current injury situation in the NL west your foolishly optimistic. There may be an argument for the brewers but if I was either of those teams I don’t think I would be mortgaging the farm at this point. Make the playoffs keep the fans happy and get younger while the NL west ages, or end up with nothing to show for it and a complete year down in three or four years.
ChipperChop
@metsfan22 based on your comments, you can’t be any older than 12 to 13 y/o so I won’t dash your hopes. I remember being that age and thinking my team would win every year too. But you better get off MLBTR and stop running up your mom’s data before you end up on restriction. I’m sure you have chores to do.
IBackTheNats6
Phillies have the best chance to win the division, just need to fix the pen. Or Washington can still win over the mets tbh
EliMorganFanClub
Cardinals need to seriously consider this guy
twisted laces
It makes perfect sense! And he wants to play for Cards, before his career is over
CubsTroll
Which means it will never happen. Our FO is too inept
believeitornot
Aren’t the Cards in worse shape than the Nationals?
VonPurpleHayes
Yes. They are. I don’t understand why the Cards would buy.
IBackTheNats6
With all the talented players on expiring contracts they should just do a mini rebuild this year imo
maxbaseball09
Scherzer
Darvish
Clevinger
Snell
Lamet
Musgrove
2022
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
There’s no way Rizzo trades Scherzer to the friars without asking for one of Gore or Campusano imo. The question is, is Preller insane enough to do it? Also I really wish we could post GIF’s in comments on this site. Would make the comments even more entertaining.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
But probably get a lot more of them closed down…
I Beg To Differ
Gore? No.
Campusano? Possibly.
Of all the “untouchables” Campusano is likely to be dealt for the right price.
Hassel, Gore, Abrams comprise two of the biggest needs long term – OF and pitching.
Nola still has 4 years of team control
OF is more of an immediate need the next 2 years with Pham and Myers gone. Hassel and Abrams are in house options long term.
Pitching in the next 1-3 years with Darvish, Snell, Musgrove, Clevinger contracts ending.
butch779988
Gore will be a bust.
Deleted_User
@Butch779988 lol nice joke.
Deleted_User
@brucebochyisthemarlboroman You’re not getting Gore or Campy for a 37 y/o rental who you can’t even QO.
twisted laces
He’s not going West Coast
Not a clever name
I wouldn’t say that, the dodgers are starting to have a desperate feel to them, I could see them making the best offer for Max, anything to take the focus off the bullpen, since the brewers are in it there really isn’t any available upgrades over Jansen even with his struggles so they will go after the biggest name possible to satisfy the base, and I think Jansen is fine he’s just going through a rough stretch. a buhler,, kerchoke, scherzer rotation with Urias providing depth is a scary thing to think about especially as a giants fan.
solaris602
Scherzer and Kimbrel are exactly what the Dodgers need right now. Everybody loves Jansen, but you can’t keep sending him out there in save situations down the stretch the way he’s pitching right now.
amk1920
Maybe if Preller trades 15 more players this deadline the Padres can get up to 2nd place.
Deleted_User
Scherzer is a rental
bbatardo
Would help the Nats a lot if they could trade him for a few months. I bet AJ Preller would overpay for a chance at Scherzer.
Longtimecoming
To be fair a lot of GM’s Will/would overpay for 2+ months of Scherzer – and if they get him to waive his no trade, 1 of them will overpay to get him. That said, if that same team wins the WS it can’t be called an overpay.
stanthefan
Right!? Any team that is able to pry Max Scherzer from both the Nats & his no trade clause, will overpay to get him & overpay to keep him if they give up enough to rent him.
I know who definitely wins in that scenario, it’s the player!?
maxbaseball09
Scherzer wants an extension, Preller will give him one.
Pete'sView
Scherzer wants an extension , Zaidi will give him one.
Not a clever name
I’m a giants fan too and would love to see that especially because if he doesn’t Andrew Friedman will.
Juan Uribe Profundo
No reason not to blow up the Nationals team right now. Rizzo and Washington fans alike understand how a good rebuild can build a perennial contender. Not sure why the Lerners have forgotten.
Kike Can of Corn
Jon Heyman “breaks” every possible trade scenario. I think he has Tom Henke going to the Phils for Juan Samuel
Cult of Dickie Thon
If it is late 1980s Henke, it would be a huge difference maker. People often seem to forget how dominant he was for several years.
Monkey’s Uncle
Tom “The Terminator” Henke. He really did have an outstanding and underrated career, maybe because he spent so much of it in Toronto instead of New York or LA. I think he got stopped in his career by arm injuries, otherwise it’s possible he could have been Hall of Fame material.
libertyfighter
Mr Henke from Southpark?
DonOsbourne
Nobody is giving up Henke for Samuel. No way
Porch
Scherzer and Harrison to the Brewers for Keston Hiura and a couple high prospect arms (Small and Bettinger or File?)
stan lee the manly
Hiura is looking more like a bust every day, very unlikely the Nats are interested after his massive struggles. It’s going to take someone else to get that done for two players.
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
Jesus that rotation would be absolutely filthy. Burnes, Scherzer, Woodruff…. yikes.
chrismilwaukee
We don’t need Scherzer. We need a 1b and 3rd basemen.
Thomas James
No, their already worried about the innings toll on those three arms. Adding Max would not only add experience but depth. The Brewers should definitely consider adding Max if possible. Moving a Houser to the bullpen where he excels in long relief would also be extremely valuable. It would be a move to not only put a stamp on the division, but become a very serious WS contender.
Thomas James
How about Max and Zimmerman to the Brewers. Ryan’s having a decent year and can be the right handed bat to play first and third if needed. Give both another shot at a world series. Just a thought.
Oldschoolandthemets1980
Reunion with jesus Aguiler and possibly a reunion with schoop from Det, or even a Asbrubal Cabrera type.
Get Off My Mound
Well, Jon Heyman said it, so it’s probably not actually happening. The Nats just don’t trade stars, especially ones like Scherzer.
Samuel
Correct (see below).
If they did they’d have traded Ryan Zimmerman years ago.
Monkey’s Uncle
+1 just because I remember Pete LaCock.
bobtillman
Ya, but do you remember who his father was?
Jean Matrac
Peter Marshall. I forget what quiz show he hosted though.
Monkey’s Uncle
I did not know that he is Peter Marshall’s son, wow. Marshall hosted “Hollywood Squares”.
“I’ll take Paul Lynde for the block”
skrockij89
Seattle needs to make a splash and extend him. He could give them the push they need for a playoff spot.
skrockij89
Add Harrison to shore up 2B.
jamaicajan
I’m on board with this. Go Ms!
Pkindaclub
I’m on board as well it would be insane
SodoMojo90
Kirby, one of Sheff/Dunn and then Shenton could do it. Might have to be Trammell instead of Shenton. It’s a lot for a rental but M’s will have more money than anyone this off-season. All that Felix money is sitting around and Seager’s contract ending will add to the pile. They could make sure it’s not a rental by throwing a bit extra money at him. He’s worth it
Samuel
The Lerner family has been very determined not only to have a quality organization, but to create a reputation for class as well.
A few years ago someone in MLB stated that Max could well be the first player the Washington Nationals had that got to the Hall of Fame. For that reason he believed that Max would pitch out his days with the Nationals.
I think all these rumors of him moving – especially coming from Jon Heyman – are nothing but clickbait.
geg42
The totally incongruous ring of honor with numbers from any player who ever played for any DC franchise or was born nearby speaks to their desire for posterity.
Expos? Okay some continuity
Grays? – nice to honor the Negro league players
Senators – no, they became the Rangers
Jean Matrac
The Senators may have become the Rangers, but those Senators players still played in DC. They were the ‘Washington’ Senators.
I see no problem with guys like Frank Howard on the ring of honor. Him not being there is like the Russians expunging names from books like they didn’t exist. If you’re a Washingtonian, and saw Howard play in DC/RFK Stadium, why can’t you see his name on the ring of honor when you go to see the Nats?
Not a clever name
I see where your going but that’s like the Mets honoring will mays Drysdale and Koufax, the senators history belong to the rangers now in my opinion.
bobtillman
Samuel: yep……I doubt he’s traded, and if he is, Rizzo et al are classy enough to ask him where he wants to go.
Deleted_User
Not sure how trading a rental when you are rebuilding = not classy but sure. Scherzer already isn’t a Nats lifer anyway.
Samuel
Who says the Nats are “rebuilding”?
Did the Giants trade any of their older stars in their recent “rebuild” of 3 years? Other than Betts did the Red Sox trade any of their older stars in their recent “rebuild” of 2 years? And Betts wanted a long-term $400m contract.
Some gossip columnist that isn’t correct even 10% of the time puts out a tweet. MLBTR embellishes it, and you kids run with it. Maybe you ought to wait until someone in the front offices of these teams gives any indication that what’s written is a possibility. Because the track record here for any reader paying attention is pretty awful.
Not a clever name
Maybe but if the giants could have gotten the same return scherzer is likely to get for Bumgarner he would have been a brave in 2019.
Samuel
Maybe if you know who will win the 6 divisions this year in MLB you can place bets and win a lot of money.
jakethesnizake
Bet he lands in Houston. If he does, they’ll win it all.
D*ckin the dog
Angels are going to snag him! Max for Heaney and Bundy straight up lol maybe throw in a signed baseball from Shohei… That should seal the deal
jamaicajan
You are joking about Heaney and Bundy being enough, right? They’re trash. Why would the Nats want either of them? Gonna cost a lot more than that. Halos would probably have to give up Adell.
Eatdust666
I think so
Pkindaclub
Jan they need to give up both Marsh & Adell n Rizzo still hangs up on them
hiflew
Why are people talking about Adell as if he is “can’t miss?” I realize that he still could be All Star caliber or even better, but I also realize that there is a distinct possibility that the guy will never be more than a AAAA hitter.
No one knows what he is going to eventually be, I realize that, I just wish the people talking about him as if is ordained for greatness would realize it as well.
Datashark
Nationals would be wise if they are not going for title, then better to trade a year too early than a year too late or not at all. Scherzer is 36 time is not on his side, get something while he is still worth something.
ajrodz1335
Rays, have to trade for this man if they want to win in October.
I Beg To Differ
Rays should certainly go all in.
Go get Bryant to sure up 3B and go get Scherzer.
They already added Cruz.
Central Valley
If Farhan Zaidi really believes the Giants can win it all this year, he’ll inquire about Scherzer.
Baseball 1600
I think Zaidi is a value-first guy. If he can get Scherzer for minimum prospect haul he’ll get him. If Danny Duffy gives you about 80% of what Scherzer would give you, but you only pay a third of the price, hed go for him instead. Kind of how he was linked to Bauer but ultimately signed DeSclafani. Assuming Bauer didn’t get involved into his situation Disco was still pitching around the same level as him but for the fraction of the cost and ultimately the Giants are happier with him.
Zaidi also offsets that 20% of remaining value by using the extra funds to fill other holes, which is why i think he avoids Scherzer
Central Valley
I think you’re spot on regarding Zaidi. He’s a value guy, not a shiny object guy.
However, he knows he needs a absolute stud on the mound in the playoffs, not sure that’s Gausman. I don’t trust Cueto.
Not a clever name
Yeah except Duffy doesn’t give you 80% of scherzer he gives you 60% or less and the giants can win the division with out either, they need a 3rd starter for a playoff Series with the Padres dodger winner, for that I think it’s scherzer if you can get him, especially if they can extend him and have a frontline starter for the next 2-4 season depending how much he has left in the tank.
libertyfighter
The Padres can easily outbid the Giants for Scherzer if they really want him.
atuck_sfg
Padres already got a rid of plenty of prospects, have dished out plenty of money, and all those moves still has them in 3rd place lol
BobGibsonFan
Padres in 3rd place in the toughest division and still with a top 3 farm.
Not a clever name
3rd place in the west this year wins the east and possibly the central once you take into account the difference in schedule for a team in the central vs the west. I’m a giants fan but the Padres are still in it don’t be fooled, there is a lot of baseball to play still in the west and any of those three teams could win it.
BeforeMcCourt
Oh the Padres farm is top 3 now? Says who? Lmao no it’s not
SD decimated the middle of their farm and the remaining top are all having bad years. It was 6th to start the year per Mlb.com and BA. I can’t see any way it’s improved with a top heavy farm struggling at the top
But keep selling!
Not a clever name
I don’t know about that giants can offer Bart to anchor a trade and catcher is a serious need for Washington. Gore as an anchor is nice but from Rizzo’s perspective Bart might be the bigger need. And I wouldn’t count the dodgers out of this, it could become a huge bidding war if he really is being shopped.
Deleted_User
They’re not getting Gore for a rental. Nice job trying to sneak it in there tho.
Not a clever name
I don’t think they are getting gore for a rental either, I was simply saying that it’s not a forgone conclusion the Padres could win a bidding war, and Gore would likely anchor the best offer that they could put together, which depending on how Rizzo views it would not automatically bear an offer from SF or LA. If it’s true it could be a huge bidding war.
Monkey’s Uncle
Here ‘s the discussion:
“Is Max available?”
“No.”
aussiegiants53
Do you think in this situation with Max, the club would involve him a little, like keeping him up to date with who’s interested and asking him what teams/cities if traded he would prefer? Obviously not all details but at least involving him?
mlbnyyfan
Giants should try for Max or bring back MadBum
Pete'sView
Scherzer, yes. MadBum, you’ve gotta be kidding!
Jean Matrac
Getting Max would be a step towards the PS, and maybe more. Bumgarner would be the sentimental thing to do, but sentiment doesn’t get them any closer to the PS.
bubba3b
i think madbum has over $50 mil left on his az contract. unless the d-backs are eating most of that, don’t think he’s headed back to the bay.
plus, instead of taking $17.5 mil aav from the giants, he took ‘less’ money two years ago ($17 mil aav) to live in an area more akin to his liking (he does like the rodeo, ya know). not many homes close to downtown sf are horse-friendly. 🙂
also, before he left sf, he started to develop a penchant of giving up the long ball. he still is able to miss bats, but one could argue time and wear-and-tear will just exacerbate the issue. kinda like watching cueto last night against the bucs. he also still can pitch and pitch well but when i see him scheduled to pitch, i kinda assume he’s automatic to give in to three runs over six innings. a 4.50 era ain’t bad but if options are available during the october run, kinda want to see what’s what.
Not a clever name
I would love to see madbum starting for the giants again, but the truth is he’s really a 4th starter maybe 3rd on the giants currently, and for that he is severely overpaid. Unless the sables dfa him for some reason he won’t ever wear the orange and black in his playing career again.
jackjohnson52183
Max Scherzer Needs To Be A Yankee,They Need Better Pitching,Behind Gerrit Cole.
tagteamuniforms
White Sox
Dylan Cease for Max. Sox pay the remainder of the 2021 salary. Nats get the control of Cease who is better than the compensation pick. Good deal all around.
White Sox will have tough choices as who to pitch in the playoffs but they will be incredibly deep.
Very Barry
Give up Cease???? That’s a no!! ….. We have plenty down on the farm to offer the Nats for Scherzer, who we don’t necessarily need. Offer a package headlined by Jon Stiever with the Nats getting to also select 3 of the following 5 players. Gavin Sheets, Zach Burdi, Mickey Adolfo, Blake Rutherford and Jimmy Lambert.
BeeVeeTee
I would not mind seeing the White Sox getting Max Scherzer for the last two months but there is no way they should give the Nationals Dylan Cease for him. This is Dylan Cease’s first full season as a MLB starting pitcher and has a lot of potential to get better. Lance Lynn says that Cease has the best stuff on that rotation and that is saying a lot from veteran like himself.
I was criticized saying the White Sox should consider moving Lucas Giolito. It would be very bizarre if the White Sox ship Giolito and Lopez back to the Nationals with a guy like Gavin Sheets for Max Scherzer.
whiteysox
Excellent, came here to suggest the same. Kopech replaces Cease/Scherzer in 2022.
Deleted_User
Nats don’t get a compensation pick for Max. You can only receive a QO once in your entire career. He got one the first time he hit FA.
Chisox_person
Not happening, not a need, and not someone we’re interesting in trading for a rental. If someone wants to talk about players not on the 40 man roster, perhaps there’s a discussion.
Very Barry
This looks like a spot for …… Jo Adell?????
bobtillman
Haven’t you heard? Trading Jo Adell would cause a fissure in the time-space continuum.
Pkindaclub
Yeah especially when Jo Adell is a bust
Joel Peterson
Scherzer needs to come home to St Louis. Tired of trading prospects away but this is the guy who needs to where a Cardinal uniform. Get in the postseason with Flaherty and Scherzer you can win. This year or the next couple.
Doug Dascenzo
If you’re trading for Scherzer in the next week, you’re trying to win right now, not next year or the next couple, and I don’t think the Cards are a playoff team this year, let alone a team that is one pitcher away from being a contender.
CubsTroll
Doug, you’re not wrong. However, the bats are starting to come alive. If (and it’s a humongous “if”) flaherty and mikolas return to form and you throw in scherzer it’s not impossible to think they can’t catch the brewers. Look what the cards have done the second half of the last two seasons. I’m not banking on it but I wouldn’t count it out either.
Thomas James
Exactly why the Brewers should trade for him and put a stamp on this division. Add his experience to three lights out all star studs. A rotation that would put fear in any opponent.
Joel Peterson
He wants an extension. We can give him that. So no it’s not just about this season. The team has had a harder time attracting free agents lately. Scherzer is from St Louis and this gives the team an advantage it needs. Get it done now. Scherzer and Rutledge for Gorman.
Deleted_User
@Joel Peterson Absolutely trading for Scherzer is only about this season. If you think teams bake in some sort of expectation that the player will stay when they trade for a rental you are mistaken.
The Cardinals aren’t winning anything this year so the smart play is to just wait until this winter, sign Max for just $ and keep Gorman. Max is a St. Louis native so I imagine this wouldn’t be hard for them.
DonOsbourne
Cards need to focus on selling not buying. I’m never big on trades within the division, but Goldy is hitting very well right now and the Brewers do need a 1B bat. It may sound crazy, but the Cards should try to get out of that contract while they can and the Brewers could justify it by making a serious October run. Both teams win in the big picture. St. Louis can offer to throw in money to sweeten the pot and get a better return.
Deleted_User
Not the next couple. Scherzer is a rental.
Cult of Dickie Thon
Should the Nats move him and begin their overdue rebuild? – Yes.
Will they? – No.
Nats are headed down the same road the Phils were after 2012 with the only exception being they have a young superstar in Soto.
Doug Dascenzo
I finally broke down and muted MetsFan22. I’ve tried to not mute people, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. That kid is the worst.
jimthegoat
Wow, you want a cookie or something!?
You want some milk with that!?
Cubs Dynasty
He might reappear as MetsFan23
Deleted_User
Doug Dascenzo is lying about trying not to mute people. He has me muted and I don’t even remember him.
Central Valley
What kind of extension is Scherzer looking for or can reasonably expect?
Nachos and beer
36, power pitcher, HOFer, bet he asks for 5/30 per, happy with 4/25 per.
Central Valley
You’re probably right. I was initially thinking 3/90, but they may not get it done.
Farhan Zaidi hasn’t opened up the wallet yet, so I have no idea if he’d be interested, especially with Scherzer already 36 years old. We shall see..
BeforeMcCourt
Latest Verlander money+ ?
Adampunk13
Brewers going to make a big splash
Thomas James
Exactly!! Remember CC? Then Grenkie? This is right in their wheel house. They have a top center field prospect and they just drafted another one, and even a younger one that has Soto written all over him. The Brewers have pieces to offer for a serious run this year. Max and their three studs could do it.
Nachos and beer
If the Red Sox can swing it, for Jeter Downs/Tristan Casas/Jay Groome, get it done. 1st in the AL east, one of the best teams in baseball, top 5…Sale and Scherz…wrap it up, it’s over.
Nachos and beer
If the Red Sox can swing it, for Jeter Downs/Tristan Casas/Jay Groome, get it done.
bigdaddyhacks
I like the Mariners here. Has playoff experience and is a great leader to the young rotation.
Slothcliff Hokum
I would be fine with it. Bring Harrison along in the deal. Fill a couple more holes with FA signings over the winter, and go for it in 2022.
SodoMojo90
Harrison would be very cost effective versus going after Frazier
A'sfaninUK
It’s completely insane Jon Heyman is allowed to have a career from making up stuff out of thin air that will never ever happen. He’s 0% correct on his “breaks” like this one – MLBTR should stop reposting his clickbait trash
17dizzy
He’s a St. Louis native. Always wanted to play for the Cardinals. He would go to the Cardinals with a reasonable extension over some other team offering him more.
Prospects are just what the word says prospects!!! Potential big league players.
Potential stars but not proven.
This is the Cardinals best chance to
land a former Cy Young Starter!!!!
Don’t blow it John Mozeliak!!!!!! Take the Bird (Scherzer) in the hand and make the trade!!!
Lord only know how many star players from the minor league system you’ve traded off for nothing.
This is something!!! And for future years too.
Deleted_User
They’d be better off waiting until the offseason and then signing him without giving up any prospects. Just $. As you mentioned he’s a St. Louis native so this shouldn’t be hard for them.
TroyVan
It seems as if I was the only one who felt that the Nats would actually trade Scherzer at the deadline. Even the author of that article said it was very unlikely. And, I know it hasn’t happened yet, but the Nats learned from the Tigers. Don’t count on resigning him. He will walk and you’ll get nothing.
Deleted_User
Difference is the Tigers were a legitimate contender during Scherzer’s contract year. Trading him in the middle of a playoff race wasn’t an option even if they KNEW he was leaving.
Deleted_User
Every NL team except the Giants, Brewers, Mets, Dodgers, Padres and MAYBE the Phillies and Braves needs to sell off all their rentals yesterday.
Simodine
I’d remove the maybe off of the braves.
Phillis is the only maybe in my book. If they drop 6+ back then I’d remove the maybe. The Mets haven’t played very well for numerous reasons this year but they are still clearly better then the rest of the east.
Deleted_User
Braves one game back of the Phils. If the Phils have room to make a play for the division so do the Braves.
Thomas James
Come to Milwaukee Max and be a part of a young, healthy, dominant rotation. Bring your experience and get another ring, and you will be adored by an incredibly loyal sports city for the rest of your life!!
moosedrool
Too bad Tampa doesn’t have a NBA team, would have probably won that too. Come to Tampa, Max and have a boat parade. #champabay
Mynameisnoname
If the Nationals don’t recoup value, because a pitcher hurt himself taking batting practice, that would be hysterical.
Kiss your double switches and pathetic hitting/baserunning pitchers goodbye NL hardliners, the universal DH is on the way.
bobtillman
Obviously Mad Max was too petrified to face Austin Wynns and the rest of the O’s.
Joe It All
It amazes me how many people say he’s not worth trading a top prospect or young cost controlled player with high upside for because he’s just a rental and you’ll only have him for 2+ months. I understand not wanting to trade one of those types of players for your typical rental but Scherzer is a game changer and proven commodity who may be the piece to bring you a World Series this year. If you’re in position to win it all this year, you don’t even hesitate if you can acquire an Ace like Scherzer.
Simodine
Yes clubs would trade a top prospect for him if that meant winning a world series. The fact is might he improve your chance but that’s it. Plus he has shown some decline since the sticky removal.
He is worth a good prospect or several but not top top tier prospects imo.
Thomas James
For Milwaukee which has never won it. Yes you do it in a heart beat!!! No questions asked. They will still have young controllable arms for awhile so they won’t be decimated by giving up a few prospects.
kingbum
I can picture John Henry in Chaim Bloom’s office saying fuc* it we are going for a ring. Get Scherzer and Rizzo and Bloom standing there thinking he was supposed to cut budget….
Central Valley
Come on Farhan, the fan base has respected the job you’ve done thus far, but now is time to open the wallet and go get some proven postseason studs.
Go get Scherzer, you know the Dodgers are going to go hard after Craig Kimbrel.
Ownership is giving the green light!
barkinghumans77
Bring him home to StL!
Deleted_User
For everyone saying Max isn’t accepting a trade without an extension, Boras already backpedaled on that statement.
I still don’t see why Max would NEED an extension at this point unless he knows he’s going to blow his arm out within the next 3 months. One way or another, he’s going to get his money. And while this isn’t ALWAYS the case, conventional wisdom suggests that he’ll get more of it if he can field offers from all thirty teams than he would by limiting the market to just one.
And on top of all that, if Max was open to an extension, the Nats wouldn’t trade him they would extend him.
Papabueno
IDK about the Nats extending Max. They have a lot of payroll committed to Strasburg and Corbin already and it’s looking like they may be entering rebuild mode, at least they should. The Lerners won’t go over the CBT and the Nats minor league system is very weak.
Deleted_User
@Papabueno if that is indeed the case then they need to trade Max yesterday. Keeping him isn’t going to convince him to stay for pennies on the dollar.
ArianaGrandSlam
Give all we got to Stephen even if he doesn’t play is the team’s strategy no?
Central Valley
The Giants need Scherzer.
Get it done Mr. Zaidi.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
The day Dombrowski low-balled for Max after he has won the regular season AL SO record (14?) because of “shoulder concerns” was the day he earned the moniker “Dumbrowski”.
Weird. Who knew, an entire kindergarten class had clairvoyance…..?
Strosfn79
The Astros need to go for it.
They have 2 $30mil contracts coming off the books (Verlander and Grienke) so an extension similar to the 2 yr $66 mil that Verlander got prior to 2019 would work very well. Throw in an option if it gets the agreement done.
Trade 3 young guys off of the Astros 40 man including a SP to make it happen. Urquidy or Javier, Freudis Nova (Astros #6 prospect), and Jairo Solis (#22).
Dorothy_Mantooth
It would be a complete shock to MLB but I could see Boston being a surprise destination for Scherzer. Imagine that Boston offense and bullpen with Scherzer and Sale leading their rotation? They would become instant favorites to win it all. They have a deep enough system now to match up in a deal with Washington here. I’d love to see Chaim go for it and go all in here.