Max Scherzer is among the most popular names on the free agent market for teams in need of starting pitching, as he should be as a future Hall of Famer who can change the dynamic of any staff.
The Los Angeles Dodgers would like to keep the 2021 National League Outstanding Pitcher Award winner, but they will have a lot of competition to sign him.
The Dodgers may have a leg up on the competition because of their location as Scherzer reportedly prefers to pitch on the West Coast. But he would also be a fit for the L.A. Angels, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.
However, according to his agent, Scott Boras, Scherzer only cares about contending for a World Series and not the location in which he plays, per Andy Martino of SportsNet New York:
If the Mets are looking to give big money to a veteran starter — a strategy that, given their resources, they should pursue — Max Scherzer would be a much easier fit than Verlander. And as for Scherzer’s apparent unwillingness to accept a trade last year to New York? His agent, Scott Boras, pushed back on that and told SNY on Tuesday, “Max’s decisions are based on winning, not geography.”
While winning is likely a big factor in where the 37-year-old signs, it seems likely Boras is just trying to get bigger offers from teams.
Scherzer has made it known he is open to re-signing with the Dodgers, and they have a clear need for his services. That would suggest there’s plenty reason for both sides to come to terms on a new contract.
Some within the industry even believe Scherzer is likely to return to L.A. on a three-year deal worth around $35 million annually.
L.A. has already added Andrew Heaney to their rotation, but pitching is a primary focus of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman this offseason. Furthermore, Heaney is more of a complimentary piece than potential replacement for Scherzer or Clayton Kershaw.
But despite the obvious fit for Scherzer’s return, some team could always come in and blow him away with a contract offer, especially if he is truly willing to leave the West Coast.
Mike Trout lobbying Angels to sign Scherzer
With the Angels seemingly looking for a new pitching staff every season, Mike Trout reportedly lobbied their front office to sign Scherzer.
Scherzer would help anchor their rotation and could help them reach the playoffs as they already have a lot of high-end talent on their roster, including arguably the two most talented players in the game in Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
However, the Angels also have more than $100 million committed to just three players and might not be comfortable adding to the top of their payroll. There also is the question of Anaheim not being the type of contender Boras mentioned.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
