Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Max Scherzer
Besides the Padres, the New York Mets are baseball’s biggest disappointment in 2023. They’re seven games back of a playoff spot, and Steve Cohen may be forced to go into sell mode at the deadline. Despite the contract, no-trade clause, and age, it’s still possible we see Max Scherzer put on the trade block.
The Numbers
Stats as of July 21, 2023: 8-3, 3.99 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 107 SO, 94 IP
The 38-year-old isn’t what he used to be. He hasn’t been healthy this season, but he’s still putting up respectable numbers. His 27.4 percent strikeout rate is slightly lower than Scherzer normally puts up, but it’s still above average. His velocity and swing-and-miss stuff are still in their prime, although he’s giving up home runs a lot more than most of his seasons. Regardless of his age, he still provides ace-level production and would be an instant spark for another team’s rotation.
Potential Destinations
There have been reports that Scherzer would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for the right situation. He’s already done it once when the Nationals sent him and Trea Turner to the Dodgers in 2021. He’s making $43 million this year, so Cohen and the Mets will have to be willing to hold onto a chunk of his contract.
A return to L.A. is possible, and it will cost a much cheaper price than the last time the Dodgers acquired him. The Astros make sense as well with their pitching woes this season. They were successful with Justin Verlander in old age, so there should be no problem there. The Astros do seem more attracted to pitchers under longer control, so Scherzer may be more of a backup option.
Gregg Giannotti of WFAN proposed a wild trade proposal on the “Boomer and Gio” show. It would be a straight one-for-one: Giancarlo Stanton for Scherzer. Do some contract swaps for two players past their prime and see who fits better. It’s not the craziest idea, but there would be no long-term benefit for either team.
The Verdict
Despite Scherzer’s willingness to be moved, I don’t see him getting moved. His contract and age are just too complicated, and any team who acquired him would be taking the risk of injury. Scherzer has proven to be a great pitcher to have for the postseason, but it won’t do any good if he’s hurt before October. I don’t doubt there will be calls to check his price, but the Mets might be stuck with a very expensive mistake for the rest of 2023.
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