Max Scherzer collected his 3,000th career strikeout in Sunday's start, an eight-inning, one-hit gem against the San Diego Padres. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer is a free agent at the end of the 2021 season, but he dropped a pretty big hint Sunday that he might want to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Scherzer collected his 3,000th career strikeout in Sunday’s start, an eight-inning, one-hit gem against the San Diego Padres. After the game, he said he hoped to be present to see Dodgers teammate Clayton Kershaw collect his 3,000th career strikeout as well.

Kershaw is probably looking at another two or three seasons to hit that mark, depending on his health. In other words, if Scherzer wants to be on Kershaw’s team when the lefty achieves the milestone, Scherzer is going to have to re-sign with the Dodgers.

There’s no doubt that Scherzer will be in high demand as a free agent this offseason, with at least one other California team apparently interested. The Dodgers should have the finances to make it work, and they’ll definitely be in contention. Maybe Scherzer really does want to stay right where he is.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks' Luka Doncic gets payback, knocks out Clippers
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Pius Suter's late goal sends Canucks to second round
Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway
Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo contradict each other on star's injury
Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Golden Knights force Game 7 behind shutout by Adin Hill
Donovan Mitchell's 50-burger goes to waste as Magic dominate the offensive glass to force Game 7
Jets HC Robert Saleh addresses QB Aaron Rodgers' status for OTAs
Eagles lose veteran OL to injured reserve
Rangers lose two-time All-Star starting pitcher to injury
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green predicts LeBron James' next team
Twins place pivotal outfielder on injured list due to knee issue
Lakers' chances of landing Tyronn Lue not considered 'realistic'
Pirates option struggling former No. 1 overall pick to minors
Rangers' Vincent Trocheck downplays second-round showdown with former team
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends