"I think the Orioles have got to make a play for him” - Former MLB player sees Max Scherzer a perfect fit for Baltimore’s payroll
Texas Rangers and three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer may be on the move come the trade deadline. With the Rangers not looking competitive this year, this may be the right time for them to trade away Scherzer. Moreover, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that they might do so and make Scherzer available.
This opens an opportunity for teams looking to bolster their rotation by adding a former Cy Young pitcher. One team that former MLB player Trevor Plouffe suggested on "Baseball Today" was the Baltimore Orioles, who could use the experienced tandem of Corbin Burnes and Scherzer in the postseason:
"I think it's fun watching a future Hall of Famer who still has something. I know he's only made three starts since that back surgery. I think the Orioles have got to make a play for him. You have a one, two punch of Corbin Burns and Max Scherzer come playoff time," Plouffe said.
Max Scherzer's contract situation ideal for teams having a low payroll and high aspirations
The Orioles are one of the few teams that don't have a high payroll but are still looking to go into the postseason as World Series contenders.
Plouffe looked up Scherzer's contract situation and concluded that any team acquiring him wouldn't take a large hit on their payroll:
"This is a team that they don't have a big payroll at all. Plus, if you're just doing the math here, let's remember the Mets are picking up nearly half of the $43 million that Scherzer gets this year. If you work it out, and I just did a little rough math in my head, I'm not even so sure that this is right. Let's say he plays 60 to 65 games for your team," Plouffe added.
"That means you're going to pay Max Scherzer about $9 million this year. I'm not, I think I sat there and I did this three times last night."
According to Spotrac, Scherzer will receive $22.5 million from the Rangers, $30.8 million from the New York Mets and $15 million from the Washington Nationals this season.
Scherzer is returning from back surgery and has started only three games this season. He has gone 1-2, posting a 2.70 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched.