As of last night, there were at least eight clubs interested in Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who is open to waiving his no-trade rights but said to have a preference for a West Coast club that has the ability to keep him longer-term.
Scherzer figures to be one of the most talked-about trade candidates in recent memory, but his stay on the market may not go down to the wire like some other stars. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Nationals want to get a framework for a trade in place as quickly as possible, in order to leave enough time to work out the details surrounding Scherzer’s no-trade rights and any compensation he’d require to waive them. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi tweets that some involved in negotiations believe an agreement could come together by tonight.
While Scherzer has been connected to more than a quarter of the league, Rosenthal and Morosi both suggest that the three NL West contenders — the Padres, Dodgers and Giants — are the likeliest destinations at this time. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand suggested something similar yesterday. Both SNY’s Andy Martino and The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, meanwhile, have indicated that Scherzer would not approve a trade to either New York club.
Any of the three NL West contenders make for a sensible landing spot. The Giants hold the best record in Major League Baseball and ought to be motivated to aggressively strengthen their club down the stretch. The Dodgers’ rotation strength has dwindled since the season began, and the Padres are without several key rotation options themselves at the moment.
Of the bunch, only the Giants could acquire Scherzer without incurring any luxury-tax penalization. Scherzer’s deferral-heavy contract comes with an annual luxury hit of just under $30MM, and the prorated remainder of that hit as of this writing would be $10.49MM. (It’d drop to $10.03MM after the deadline.) The Dodgers, already in the top tax bracket for year-one offenders, would pay a 62.5 percent tax on that $10.03MM overage. The Padres are barely over the threshold at the moment and exploring some ambitious ways to drop back below the barrier; at the moment, they’d pay a 20 percent overage penalty.
Scherzer, who turned 37 yesterday, has pitched to a 2.83 ERA with a 35.1 percent strikeout rate (tying a career-high) and a 4.2 percent walk rate in 105 innings this year. He’s playing on a $35MM salary this year in the final season of a seven-year, $210MM contract, though the bulk of that 2021 salary is deferred to 2028. Schezer was scratched from his Saturday start against the Orioles due to a triceps issue, though the Nationals have indicated that an MRI came back clean. He’s listed as the probable starter for Thursday’s game against the Phillies. Of course, that recent health scare only muddies the water as teams try to put together a framework with the Nats.
Deleted User
How many time can MLBTR write the same article before Scherzer is traded?
The Baseball Fan
Facts
Omarj
I think this article covers more regarding injury, team’s of interest, and update about the situation w both NY teams. But its Max frigging Scherzer. He should get the most attention.
Ben621
20
MikeyChop03
2110
ChiSox_Fan
And then they want contributing subscribers. I’d rather read the ads.
LordD99
So you don’t want them to figure out a way to drive traffic and revenue? Have you been forced to sign up for a paid subscription?
By all means, go click on the ads regularly, but you don’t do that either, do you? You just complain.
Deleted User
We’ve found Tim’s alt account
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
Where will Max-A-Million land? Pity the poor fool who has to pay for that
johnrealtime
So should they post less? Make things up? Not provide any updates about max because every already published something similar. You all are showing your IQ and lack of thinking things through. Just banging your fists on the table complaining about dinner mommy made you
fox471 Dave
What’s this “you all?”
johnrealtime
Those in the thread, obviously
Ronk325
Careful now they might take that as a challenge
ChiSox_Fan
The fact that Scherzer wasn’t traded article is due out Friday at 5 PM ET.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
Shame on you Steve Neb. for lamenting on your bread & butter
Albert Belle's corked bat
The Ray’s will land him. But yes, the articles do get old.
Finlander
Interesting that the article only mentions NL West potential destinations. I can think of 3 teams in the AL East, and at least one or two in the AL West as good fits with the prospects to get it done. Max’s preference might be to eventually land on the west coast for his next contract. But that doesn’t preclude a pennant chase in the AL to finish off this year.
Simodine
Padres, lock it in.
damascusj
In Preller we trust
Brew’88
Don’t bet on it, Dodgers are adept at buying their way into division titles.
mcdusty49
Kind of a funny statement when you actually compare how the Dodgers and Padres current rosters were constructed but ok
Brew’88
Highest ave payroll in baseball over last decade
Benjamin560
Make you’re move Seattle!
jamaicajan
This would help ease the pain of the past 24 hrs for sure.
RobBoSoxNMariners
Can’t even begin to explain how badly I want him in a Mariners uniform
Deleted_User
Make you are move Seattle?
dubtastic
Lol
dubtastic
Lol, don’t u just love homonyms
bklynny67
Literally no new information here. How about we wait to post articles until there’s something actually new from the previous info that’s out there.
Chris79stl
Latest on Mad Max… some teams are trying to get him….
sdbaseballguy
and he wants west.
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
Sooooooooo, what is the update exactly?
NewYorkSoxFan
If I’m Scherzer I’m not waiving my no-trade unless I get an extension. Of course, I’m not Scherzer but if this was the case the Nats would want this deal done earlier so that can be worked out. Here’s hoping that today’s the day. My guess – San Fran.
Deleted_User
Why? Scherzer isn’t the type of player that gets hosed on the open market. An extension benefits the team a lot more than it does him.
ExileInLA 2
Why aren’t the Angels in on him?
stymeedone
Scherzer is wanting a ring this year! Angels are not likely to do that for him.
halos2017
Imagine adding Trout, Rendon and Scherzer and being only 5 games out of the playoffs and 62 games left.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
Scherzer is not a magic wand
BlueSkies_LA
No but he keeps one in his back pocket.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
That’s not a magic wand in his back pocket, it’s a huge bulging wallet filled with cash. He’s good, just not the game shaker he once was.
halos2017
Angels always love being a mystery team flying under the radar.
Chief Two Hands
Perennial losing seasons doesn’t equate to a mystery…just a poorly run organization doing its usual thing.
gbs42
Why would he accept a trade to the Angels when several other more competitive teams also are after him?
padam
Because the Angels are known for giving out huge contracts after they’ve performed.
Deleted_User
@padam He can sign a huge contract with the Angels in the offseason. If there’s mutual interest. Until then, makes sense to play out the season with an actual contender.
LordD99
Well, he’s a quality pitcher who would help them. That’s my guess why they’re not interested.
circaflex
Its a tough one; I had this discussion last night with a few friends of mine but the Angels are only 5 out of the Wild card, adding mad Max probably gets them there (along with Trout coming back and Rendon). I guess the only hurdle would be, if the Angels dont make the playoffs or are knocked out within the first round, they potentially give up a few quality prospects for nothing (unless an extension is signed). I dont know if Scherzer is a long term solution for the Angels, all of their previous major deals with aging players have not really worked out. So there could be some hesitation because he wants an extension as part of this potential trade.
halos2017
Older players that they have messed up on have been hitters. I say give a 2 year extension plus option for third based on starts made in the first two years.
circaflex
CJ Wilson comes to mind.
dirkg
1) It would make sense if they work with Boras on a trade and immediate extension. They need him even more next year as the de facto ace and take the pressure off Shohei.
2) The bullpen is in dire need of fresh arms. They have to pull in some bullpen help to have any chance of the playoffs.
halos2017
Both points valid and I agree with you.
Deleted_User
@dirkg Would make more sense to keep their prospects and then throw money at him in FA this offseason.
Deleted_User
Because they aren’t contending and he’s a rental.
dshires4
Latest on Max Scherzer: he’s still breathing.
MyWhiteSoxAreDirty
Fingers crossed he doesn’t pull a Daryl Kyle
dshires4
As much as I love dark humor… oof!
DarkSide830
please trade him before tomorrow, or have the Phillies get a guy for that day. cant stand to see Scherzer vs VV.
Captain Dunsel
Scherzer may insist on waiting to repay Girardi.
bklynny67
How about we wait for new into before posting the same article
JerseyShoreScore
I’m thinking a Joey Bart centered trade will do it for the Giants! This is after the Dodgers cheap out and refuse to include Ruiz!
Gmen777
I think the only chance the Giants include Bart for a rental is IF the Dodgers have a package centered around Ruiz and the Giants want to block them at all costs. I don’t see the Giants dealing Bart for any rental tbh…BUT I’d rather it be for Scherzer than Bryant
giantsphan12
Gmen, I agree that if it’s a one for one, I’d have to take Max over Bryant. However, the article on Bryant says the Giants won’t trade Bart for a single high-end rental. I think a trade for Bryant, AND, Kimbrel (for Bart) would be pretty good for us. I have a hard time trusting that Rogers and McGee can anchor the back end all the way down the stretch. Adding Kimbrel would be huge (and we’d have him for next year too). Next 36 hours should be rather interesting!!!
Chief Two Hands
“Well, maybe I don’t use my exclamation points as haphazardly as you do.”
“It was a damp and chilly afternoon, so I decided to put on my sweatshirt!”
Colt 45
Thank you Karen!!!!!
Simodine
I doubt Bart will be traded for a rental same with Ruiz. Teams just don’t trade that high of a prospect for rentals anymore. My guess is a package of prospects in the 5-20 range.
Perhaps 1 team is willing to ad a little better prospect with less volume. You also don’t know what the Nats prefer. They may want a volume of prospects.
Chief Two Hands
One difference between the two is that Ruiz is kind of blocked by Smith and, to a lesser degree, Barnes, but with Posey aging, the Giants will likely need help behind the plate sooner rather than later. So I think the Giants would be more hesitant to move Bart than the Dodgers would be to move Ruiz. I don’t know if either team is willing to make that kind of trade, but I think Ruiz is more expendable than Bart given the current catcher situations for their respective organizations.
Gmen777
I do expect the Dodgers would be more willing to pull the trigger for sure. Giants have Bailey in the system and I’d feel comfortable with Posey being the main catcher for another year maybe even two
sacball
Posey’s option will probably turn into a 2-3 year deal, by that time one of Genoves/Bailey should be ready
VonPurpleHayes
Can he please be traded tonight so the Phillies don’t face him tomorrow? Thanks.
DarkSide830
at least we have TA to face him…oh wait
Colt 45
savage
VonPurpleHayes
lol too soon! I’m not even over it yet.
Tom Price
He’s too weak to handle NY. Clear as day.
gbs42
So glad someone chimed in with this BS take…
sdbaseballguy
Too smart
Gmen777
Or the NY teams aren’t very good this year? Yankees probably don’t make the playoffs and the Mets aren’t a threat to the Giants, Dodgers, Padres or Brewers
Big phil
Absolutely can’t handle NYC ..that’s ok go weak i mean west…Giants would be best fit Dodgers to inconsistent have too many holes. And I don’t care if the Padres put George Washington on the field they are not winning anything. Unless they put their wife’s or girlfriends to distract the other team. Great city cursed sports town hence former charges and Padres please…
brave from the woods
Maybe fewer players desire to be part of the circus that is NY. Could be all kinds of factors.
ctguy
The earlier article said that both NY teams and Boston were interested but it doesn’t sound like he wants any of those locations. If he goes anywhere it looks like West coast.
Chief Two Hands
Thanks for that recap.
g55s
If a team trades for Scherzer, they are responsible for the deferred money?
rexastangers
Unless it’s worked into the trade agreement, but it’s unlikely it happens. Looking at the previous players trades with deferred money, Griffey Jr for example, red traded him to White Sox, but Cincy is the team still paying him (through 2024).
g55s
Thanks. I couldn’t imagine a team picking up 105 mill
BlueSkies_LA
According to previous articles, no, that money was deferred from earlier seasons and would still be owed by the Nationals.
CuddyFox
I still think that Max is heading to the midwest instead of the west coast. The only reason people say west coast is to gain hype.
canyon2129
I somewhat agree. The Chicago White Sox owner, Reinsdorf, I think would go for this, more than any other. His time is now. Very possible.
MyWhiteSoxAreDirty
Starting pitching is a strength for the White Sox… Trea Turner would be the Nat I’d rather the WS go after
Chief Two Hands
Maybe the West Coast is mentioned because it was reported that Scherzer’s desire to be traded there came directly from him. Just a thought…
canyon2129
That means nothing. Best package wins. This is not hard.
Gmen777
Actually Scherzer picks what teams to waive his NTC to. If the Royals offered Bobby Witt Jr. it wouldn’t matter because Scherzer almost certainly wouldn’t okay the trade
canyon2129
I agree contractual language must be adhered to.
Chief Two Hands
If Scherzer prefers to go to the West Coast, it is absolutely relevant. To say it “means nothing” is ridiculous. Apparently the NTC is difficult to understand for certain individuals, though.
StPeteStingRays
Orioles swoop in last minute and get Max. Mancini to Nats….
Jk
Central Valley
Maybe Max Scherzer and Trea Turner are heading to the same team? A bigger trade package?
StPeteStingRays
Yep, to the Yankees for Refsnyder and some pigeons.
Deleted User
Don’t forget an Andujar/Frazier package.
kripes-brewers
The Crew has to think about making sure Max doesn’t end up with one of the stronger teams. I realize it’s a huge stretch and a starting pitcher isn’t exactly a perceived need at the moment, but it sure would be a statement, and would keep her m away from one of those tough West Coast clubs… a fella can dream
StPeteStingRays
I feel the same way about the Rays acquiring him for the same reason of keeping him away from rivals. Good luck in the Scherzer Sweepstakes!
junkmale
He’s going to end up a Dodger and replace Bauer, and everyone outside LA/OC will be annoyed.
Fernando Tatis Jr
Fears Daniel Camarena….GO Padres, La Doghairs sux.
BGE
The Padres are probably the most inclined out of the west to give their top prospect, they’re hell bent on beating the Dodgers.. Zaidi and Friedman are cut from the same cloth so they’ll be less prone to over pay. I will say most times then not the returns are less than we imagine.
OldSaltUSNR
An 8 week rental doesn’t bring the Nats a top prospect, even if he’s Max Scherzer. It just doesn’t work that way. A good prospect, maybe, but not a top 40. A good relief pitcher with 2 or more years of control remaining, about right..
BGE
Oh I completely agree that these trades often don’t end with the prospects being discussed
BlueSkies_LA
Any team that successfully trades for or signs a player “overpays” for him, by definition.
circaflex
I am thinking Max ends up with the Dodgers
Casey F'n Ryback
Wait, he has health issues? That’s a prerequisite for anyone joining the Angels. They should trade for him, pay for his Tommy John and 2 year extension all while he never sees the field. Perfect!
OldSaltUSNR
37 years old, has had both groin and triceps issues over the last week or so, and he’s an eight week rental for which the National’s will want a mint in exchange.
I’m OK with Preller kicking the tires on this one, but as good as Scherzer is, the risk isn’t worth breaking the bank over. If EITHER health issue recurs, Scherzer could be down for a month, i.e. the month for which he was traded to help win games. The Pads have already done a “Clevinger”, given up high level talent for a guy who pitched, what, one or two games, before TJ surgery?
If Scherzer remains healthy, he could help win a W.S. for certain. But at what price, and what does a team lose if he’s unable to answer the bell? Preller gave up a lot of talent to secure Clevinger. I wouldn’t want to see him do that from an every thinner farm system, two years in a row.
Jordan 5
As much as i would love to see the dodgers get scherzer, the dodgers need hitters. They can’t score. Ya ya betts and seager will be back but who knows if they will be the same players coming back. Bellinger is just flat lost. This is the player he is. He’s not the player in his rookie year so time to re evaluate and get some hitters
BlueSkies_LA
This team has problems in just about every department right now and it doesn’t look very fixable on the trade market.
Chief Two Hands
You could not be more wrong., Jordan 5. You are talking about a team that currently has only 2/5. of its original starting rotation able to pitch right now, with three starts out of five basically relying heavily on the bullpen eating too many innings and you think that the offense is more of a weakness? First of all, just dismissing the return of Seager and Betts is ridiculous. Also, they will be adding to a lineup that includes Taylor, Muncy, Turner, Smith and Pollock, all of which have been producing at a high level at the plate.
Furthermore, if you want to mention a currently injured Dodger that may be cause for some concern, look to pitching with Kershaw’s injury. I am not overly concerned about him at this point, but he is certainly more of a question mark than Seager or Betts. No, the Dodgers do not need offense, they need pitching, plain and simple, even if Bellinger doesn’t turn it around at the plate, (which he very well may as he seemed to be finding his groove before having to sit out again briefly). Who knows if Lux will heat up upon his return, but even if those two guys don’t contribute much at the plate, the Dodgers are stacked on offense. Also, getting Seager, Betts and Lux back means they won’t have to start guys like Neuse, Raley, And CKinney. Pitching is clearly their area of need, and it isn’t even close.
Chief Two Hands
McKinney*
BlueSkies_LA
Agreed that pitching is priority 1a, but offense is arguably priority 1b. At least in offense, reinforcements should be coming soon, without trades. But it’s bad right now. Terrible, more like.
Chief Two Hands
It would be nice to get an offensive piece just to strengthen the bench, but they desperately need pitching. Obviously, they need another strong SP, but I think they need to improve the pen, as well. Pitching needs to be improved, the offense doesn’t. IMO that is glaringly obvious. Just getting Neuse, Raley and McKinney out of the starting lineup (and replacing them with Seager, Betts and Lux) would fix the offense. Those guys shouldn’t be on the roster, let alone starting at all.
iRiE-G
He’s going to San Diego
2020vision
Preller has to be the favorite to get this done. Offer Gore and Brandon Valenzuela, along with Hosmer and give Scherzer a 2-year extension worth $55Million with a 3rd year option/buyout and no trade clause. I can’t see L.A. or S.F. nearing that deal.
Deleted_User
@2020vision that won’t get it done. The Nats aren’t taking back any bad contracts in a Scherzer trade. And I’d honestly rather keep Gore and just sign Scherzer in the offseason.
2020vision
@RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks, if the Padres don’t get Scherzer, they end up watching the World Series on TV this year. Unless Snell and Paddack somehow remember how to pitch, this staff is too short for a series and dicey for a one wild card game. The only other way out of this mess is to go get Gallo and Kris Bryant and hope to win games by a score of 10 to 9. I’m kidding of course, sort of…
Deleted_User
They can get Scherzer without giving up Gore. No one else is offering a Gore-esque prospect for a 2-month rental.
Big phil
The Padres will be watching the world series on TV like every year max wants to play on the weak side i mean west side no heart can’t play with the mets or Yankees soft mid west guy
2020vision
RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks understood. Only include Gore if it means Scherzer is signed to an extension thru 2023. Gore is now the 84th rated prospect by Baseball America and appears to be rotting on the vine.
mgomrjsurf
Morsi said on Video on his Twitter either by end of night or tomorrow morning gone in a Trade then Berrios.