Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox could trade for Max Scherzer?

Max Scherzer's trade market is robust. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox could trade for Nationals' Max Scherzer?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/29/21

Roughly 24 hours before the MLB trade deadline on Friday, Mark Feinsand of the league's website reported that the San Diego Padres were potentially close to landing Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer. Washington is selling off pieces, and Scherzer has a full no-trade clause but reportedly wishes to join a West Coast contender this summer. That's a trade done and dusted, then, right?

Not so fast.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman swooped in to rain on figurative parades enjoyed by San Diego fans by saying the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox still have "a chance" to win the Scherzer sweepstakes.

Heyman added there's a fourth unnamed club also pursuing the three-time Cy Young Award winner:

Padres are surely very interested and aggressive in their pursuit of top trade target Max Scherzer, but source insists there are “multiple teams” still with a chance. Those teams are believed to include the Dodgers, and perhaps the Giants, Red Sox and another team.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021

The Nats could have a bidding war for Scherzer. However, it doesn't mean that the highest offer will win the Scherzer sweepstakes. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic notes that Scherzer's full no-trade clause means he essentially is able to choose his next team.

Sources say other teams are still trying to top Padres for Scherzer. Nationals and Padres essentially have agreed on players in trade. Situation may be complicated by Scherzer’s ability to veto any trade and effectively choose next club.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021

Heyman explained earlier in the day that Scherzer is willing to waive the no-trade clause to pitch for the first-place Red Sox, and the Nationals don't have to pull the trigger on a transaction at any point on Thursday if they're still receiving calls.

If nothing else, Washington attempting to bolster Scherzer's value on the trade market by allegedly leaking information would be a smart business move to make for a club with little to lose on Thursday afternoon.

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