Max Scherzer Trade Rumors: Braves linked with possible blockbuster move to land Rangers ace, per MLB analyst
Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer has recently recovered from a back injury and will be a free agent after this season. As per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, with the defending World Series champions looking unlikely to make the playoffs, they are expected to make several pitchers, including Scherzer, available at the trade deadline.
John Buhler of FanSided has listed out five ideal locations for Scherzer if he's made available by the defending champions. Buhler believes the 39-year-old would be an ideal addition to the Braves rotation, which needs a fifth starter to strengthen the team's championship hopes.
"Adding Scherzer could be what it takes for the Braves to win their second World Series title in four years." said Buhler.
Scherzer is due to earn $12.5 million this season, the last year of his three-year, $130 million deal. It should be noted that he has no-trade clauses in his contract, so he also has a say in this decision and it won't completely depend on the team.
Buhler also noted that Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has previous experience making deals with the Rangers, which could come into play in any potential move.
Max Scherzer is against the notion of being traded; he holds a strong belief in the Texas Rangers
Max Scherzer squashed trade rumors swirling around him this week. In a statement that supports the Rangers' championship hopes, Scherzer said he doesn't plan to waive his no-trade clause and wants to stay with the team.
"Yeah, I'm not going to do that, but I just don't think I'm going to have to think about that," the eight-time All-Star said about waiving his no-trade clause on 'Foul Territory' podcast. "I think we're gonna play better baseball. It's gonna be a moot point to even talk about, so, I think we're gonna win here."
This comes after a period of uncertainty for the 39-year-old hurler, who has been traded three times in four seasons. Despite his impressive resume – including eight All-Star appearances and three Cy Young Awards – whispers of another potential move had gained traction.
Max Scherzer has made four starts this season since returning from injury. He is 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and three walks in 23.1 innings.