With less than 24 hours until the MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly remained engaged with the Washington Nationals on a potential Max Scherzer trade. That was said to still be the case even after a report suggested the San Diego Padres were close to a deal.
The Dodgers’ reported talks with the Nationals also were thought to potentially include Daniel Hudson as well. The veteran relief pitcher theoretically could fill another need as L.A. also is thought to be in search of relief help.
Meanwhile, the Nationals were believed to potentially be shopping fellow All-Star Trea Turner as well.
And according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers are making progress toward completing a trade to acquire both Scherzer and Turner:
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Dodgers are making significant progress on a deal that would send them star right-hander Max Scherzer and star shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for a prospect-laden return, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Scherzer is hours removed from making what appears to have been a final start for the Nationals. He was scratched from an outing last Saturday due to right triceps discomfort, but did manage to throw a bullpen session on Monday.
Scherzer then was back on the mound Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed just one run over six innings and improved to 8-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 0.89 WHIP in 19 starts.
Turner is currently on the COVID injured list due to a positive test. His joining the Dodgers would seemingly provide some insurance in the event Corey Seager is lost in free agency this winter.
Scherzer would need to waive his no-trade clause in order for the deal to made official.
Who will Dodgers trade for Scherzer and Turner?
Details of the Nationals’ potential return have not yet been made public, but Keibert Ruiz was a late scratch from the Triple-A Oklahoma City lineup for an unspecified reason. Ruiz — along with Ryan Pepiot — have been among the Dodgers prospects drawing reported interest from the Nationals.
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