As you might expect, a whole lot of teams are interested in acquiring Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer before the MLB trade deadline, which is rapidly approaching.
Even with a recent triceps issue and the competitive balance tax implications for some teams, that hasn't stopped numerous organizations from foaming at the mouth at the possibility of having Scherzer for the stretch run. Right now, there are a reported nine or so teams interested in a trade for the 37-year-old pitcher, who is having yet another fine season, with a 2.83 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 18 starts and 105 innings pitched. The three-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer has a 135 ERA+ as well and made his eighth All-Star game this year.
Most importantly here, Max Scherzer has a career 3.38 postseason ERA in 112 innings pitched.
So who is going to land him? And do any of these teams have a chance to sign him to an extension after this season?
Max Scherzer trade possibilities At MLB trade deadline
9. New York Yankees
Max Scherzer has a no-trade clause and he reportedly has no interest in playing for either of the New York teams, so this is pretty much a non-starter, but the Yankees have certainly inquired, as you might expect.
8. New York Mets
See above. But again, you know the Mets are kicking the tires on their in-division rival, which would be… complicated, because one would also assume New York would be one of the few teams willing and able to sign Scherzer to an extension.
7. Boston Red Sox
There are, naturally, luxury tax implications here for the Red Sox, but one imagines that wouldn't be a problem for them. Boston has a middle-of-the-road team ERA at 4.05, with only one pitcher in the rotation – Nathan Eovaldi – who has a sub-four ERA this season. Their pitching is on shaky ground when it comes to a deep playoff run, even if Tanner Houck emerges down the stretch.
6. Houston Astros
The Astros pitching staff is going to look pretty different in 2022 and it's not hard to envision Scherzer leading it. Zack Greinke's $25 million salary is coming off the books next season (the Diamondbacks are still paying $10 million of that original $35 million) and Justin Verlander, who made $33 million this season, is also a free agent in 2022.
It seems hard to believe either Verlander or Greinke would be back – at least not at those prices.
5. San Diego Padres
The Padres are certainly wheeling and dealing at the deadline, simultaneously trying to acquire talent while somehow, someway, avoiding the competitive balance tax, though I don't think they'll be too concerned with that if they're able to land Max Scherzer.
San Diego is in full-on win-now mode; it wouldn't be a surprise to see Scherzer go here, especially with his reported interest in going to – and eventually signing with – a West Coast team.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
Simply put, the Rays need starting pitching and are more than willing to find it, even when it's a pure rental. The AL East division is in play – they're two games out as of now – and Scherzer would be the ideal target to help Tampa Bay try to avoid that Wild Card game.
Max Scherzer has made it known that he'd like to re-sign with the team that acquires him, which puts the Rays in a tough spot. But hey, stranger things have happened… I think.
3. San Francisco Giants
Nobody expected the Giants to be contending for the NL West division this year, let alone leading it with the best record in baseball. San Francisco is in the midst of a magical run, and Max Scherzer would be an incredible addition to a rotation that already features Cy Young candidates Kevin Gausman (2.21 ERA and 183 ERA+) and Anthony DeSclafani (2.87 ERA and 142 ERA+).
That's not even mentioning Alex Wood, Johnny Cueto, or Logan Webb, who are all having excellent seasons themselves. Adding Scherzer to the mix no doubt solidifies the Giants as the World Series favorite.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
Like all of the AL East apparently, the Blue Jays need starting pitching. Despite Scherzer's desire to sign with a West Coast team, Toronto feels like a dark horse to sign him in 2022; he'd be the perfect veteran starter to solidify a young, emerging roster.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Obviously. Is there a big name the Dodgers aren't typically connected to, especially at the MLB Trade Deadline? Thanks to injuries and off-field troubles, Los Angeles is in need of starting pitching help, especially as they try to catch the NL West-leading Giants while simultaneously fighting off the Padres.
Max Scherzer is, of course, a perfect fit to sign with Los Angeles next season too, as the team consistently laughs in the face of the competitive balance tax. This is by far the best scenario for all parties involved, though with the Giants also interested, it becomes a bit more of a desperate situation for the Dodgers.
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