The Max Scherzer sweepstakes have taken wild turns after another ahead of the 2021 MLB trade deadline. Now, the Los Angeles Angels are looking to play the role of spoiler and beat out the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres for Scherzer.
As noted by MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Angels have been tabbed as the ‘mystery team' in the race for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Mystery team has shown interest in Max Scherzer. But this time I’ll end the mystery: It’s the Angels. That would make 3 Southern California teams in on Max. Of course, with the Angels only on the cusp of the race, they seem like quite a long shot. Padres and Dodgers more likely.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021
Earlier today, the San Diego Padres were rumored to be on the verge of acquiring Scherzer in yet another blockbuster trade for the NL West contenders. Still, such a trade has not yet been finalized. Meanwhile, the Dodgers recently acquired Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy, but one recent report noted that the reigning World Series champions still remain in the mix for a possible Scherzer trade.
In the meantime, the Angels have been lurking around for a possible push to acquire the Washington Nationals ace, although Heyman added that they are a “long shot” for the future Hall of Famer.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian is currently at a crossroads over what to do ahead of tomorrow's trade deadline. Earlier this month, Minasian hinted that the Angels would be open to making moves to bolster the team's chances at a possible late-season playoff push. However, the Angels remain on the outside looking in with the AL wild-card standings, as they currently sit at five games back of the Oakland Athletics, who currently holds the second wild-card spot.
With both Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon expected to soon return from their notable injuries, the Angels could decide to go all in and become buyers at the deadline, such as with a possible acquisition of Max Scherzer. On the other hand, Minasian could opt to remain conservative and instead take a stance as sellers.
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