Over the past week Max Scherzer trade rumors have centered around the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants being in strong pursuit of the longtime Washington Nationals ace.
Each of the National League West teams have been in search of starting pitching help at the trade deadline, and all three were reported as being among the clubs Scherzer would approve a deal to.
As the Dodgers were facing the Giants in their rubber match at Oracle Park, it was reported the Padres were on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Nationals. The final step was effectively getting Scherzer to waive his no-trade clause.
However, hours have since passed without a Scherzer trade being agreed to. That’s allowed other teams to keep engage the Nationals in negotiations, and according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are part of that group:
Dodgers one of clubs still in mix for Scherzer, sources say. https://t.co/RkPMGgxppy
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021
Shortly after the initial report of Scherzer appearing bound for San Diego, the Dodgers agreed to a trade for Danny Duffy, with a player to be named later heading to the Kansas City Royals. The impending trade for Duffy was not believed to have an impact on the Dodgers’ pursuit of another starter.
Scherzer, who turned 37 years old on Tuesday, seemingly made a final start for the Nationals on Thursday. He eased potential concerns of right triceps soreness that surfaced during the weekend by allowing just one run on three hits over six innings.
Scherzer then was back on the mound Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader at Nationals Park. On the season he’s 8-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 0.89 WHIP in 19 starts.
Who would Dodgers have to trade for Scherzer?
Although the Dodgers remain linked to a potential Scherzer trade, there has not been any indication the team has moved off their stance of being against including Keibert Ruiz in a deal for a player who is not under contract beyond this season.
In addition to Ruiz, the Nationals are also thought to have interest in Ryan Pepiot. Meanwhile, L.A. is believed to be open to expanding a trade with the Nationals to include Daniel Hudson.
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