As the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants conclude their three-game series at Oracle Park on Thursday afternoon, it will come with the front offices of both teams being engaged in negotiations as the MLB trade deadline sits just over 24 hours away.
The Dodgers and Giants — along with the San Diego Padres for that matter — are in search of starting pitching help. All three teams have been connected to a potential Max Scherzer trade as the Washington Nationals appear to be sellers at the deadline this season.
Furthermore, Scherzer reportedly has the three National League West teams as his preferred destinations. The future Hall of Famer holds a full no-trade clause as a result of being a player with 10-and-5 rights.
It has been reported the Dodgers and Giants were viewed as the favorites for the Scherzer, and they also appear to be involved in negotiations with the Minnesota Twins for José Berríos as well, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Great arms race out West. Dodgers and Padres both are in on Max Scherzer and José Berríos.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021
In addition to the Dodgers and Giants, the Boston Red Sox also are in the picture for Berríos and Scherzer:
Red Sox are another team looking at Scherzer and Berríos. While Scherzer has been linked more to the NL West teams, Boston appears in the mix for both. And yes, Red Sox are a team Scherzer would consider going to.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021
Scherzer undeniably is the best starting pitcher available at the trade deadline this year, even with some questions attached to him. The 37-year-old was scratched from a start over the weekend because of right triceps discomfort, but threw a bullpen session two days later and started the first game of the Nationals’ doubleheader on Thursday.
There is also the factor of Scherzer not being under contract beyond this season and the expectation he would seek an extension or some other form of compensation to waive the no-trade clause.
Berríos has been an ace in his own right for the Twins, but doesn’t have the same track record as Scherzer. Berríos is under team control for 2022 via a final year of salary arbitration.
Dodgers trading Graterol?
While the Dodgers have cast a wide net in search of pitching — both for their rotation and bullpen — they reportedly are fielding interest in Brusdar Graterol.
A potential trade involving the hard-throwing righty could become likely if L.A. is able to bolster their bullpen with Texas Rangers closer Ian Kennedy or Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, who are among the relief pitchers they are said to have some level of interest in.
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