LA close to landing Scherzer, Turner (source)
Here are the latest trade rumors surrounding Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who's one of the biggest stars who could be dealt before Friday's 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline.
July 29: Dodgers reportedly close to blockbuster with Nats
While the Padres had reportedly made progress toward a deal to acquire Scherzer from the Nationals earlier on Thursday, a source told MLB.com's Jon Morosi on Thursday evening that the Dodgers and Nats were working on a deal that would send Scherzer and star shortstop Trea Turner to Los Angeles. Morosi later reported that Scherzer, who has a full no-trade clause, has approved the move. ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the development, adding that in exchange Washington would receive "a prospect-laden return." Passan later reported that the deal is in its final stages.
Morosi later reported the return to Washington would include the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline (and No. 41 overall), catcher Keibert Ruiz, along with the club's No. 2 prospect (No. 42 overall), Josiah Gray. He added that two other prospects -- right-hander Gerardo Carillo and outfielder Donovan Casey -- would also go to the Nationals.
July 29: Angels in the mix for Max?
Although the Padres nearing a deal to acquire Scherzer from the Nationals, nothing is done yet, and another Southern California team has jumped into the mix, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman: the Angels.
The Angels are perhaps a long shot considering Scherzer has a full no-trade clause and can effectively choose where he pitches next. He has reportedly expressed a preference for competitive West Coast teams -- the Padres, Dodgers or Giants.
Still, it's intriguing to think about Scherzer in the same rotation as Shohei Ohtani, and the Angels finally landing a frontline starter after years of starting rotation woes. Could the Halos make a late push with Scherzer and Ohtani atop their rotation? They entered play Friday with a record of 51-50, five games out of an AL Wild Card spot.
July 29: Padres closing in on Scherzer trade
San Diego is "working to acquire" three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer from the Nationals, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Thursday.
However, a deal isn't done yet, and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that "multiple teams" still have a chance to swoop in, including the Dodgers. The Giants, Red Sox and others may also still be trying to put together a deal for Scherzer, per Heyman.
According to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, the Nats and Padres have essentially agreed on the players in the trade, but Scherzer still needs to waive his no-trade clause. Meanwhile, other teams are trying to top the Padres' offer for Scherzer.
July 29: Red Sox remain in mix for Scherzer
Despite Scherzer's reported preference for West Coast teams, the Red Sox remain in the mix for the right-hander, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
Heyman reports that Boston also is looking at Twins righty José Berríos (controllable through 2022).
The Red Sox were one of eight Scherzer suitors named in a report from The Athletic's Jayson Stark on Tuesday, and The Athletic's Jim Bowden (subscription required) reported Wednesday that Red Sox ownership is encouraging a final push for the 37-year-old.
The club is said to be particularly motivated by the prospect of Scherzer teaming with Chris Sale, who is nearing his return from Tommy John surgery, down the stretch.
Scherzer, an impending free agent, has a full no-trade clause due to his 10-and-5 rights, but Heyman hears that the ace would waive it to go to Boston.
After being scratched from his last start due to right triceps discomfort, Scherzer returned to the mound to make what could be his final start for the Nats on Thursday and threw six strong innings in a win over the Phillies.
July 28: Scherzer deal could happen soon
Trade talks with the Nationals about Scherzer are intensifying, and a deal could even happen by Wednesday night, sources told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.
The three National League West contenders -- the Giants, Dodgers and Padres -- continue to be the top candidates to get Scherzer, but other teams are also in on the All-Star right-hander.
July 27: At least 8 teams in on Scherzer
The Max Scherzer market is bustling. According to The Athletic's Jayson Stark, eight teams are known to be in the mix for the right-hander: the Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Red Sox, Rays, Blue Jays, Astros and Mets. Per Stark, the Yankees also checked in, but were told Scherzer is unlikely to waive his no-trade clause to play there.
A source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that Scherzer "strongly prefers" to be traded to a West Coast team. The righty’s 10-and-5 rights give him the option of vetoing any deal. Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reported Monday that Scherzer doesn’t plan on blocking a trade out of Washington, but he could use his veto power to determine his destination.
With Scherzer having control over where he goes, a team like the Mets, who were also reported to be a suitor, could be out of the running.
July 27: Nats want quick resolution on Scherzer trade (report)
MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday that the Nationals want to find a trade for Scherzer within the next 24 to 48 hours, which would give them and Scherzer enough time to work out any details related to his no-trade clause.
Rosenthal, who breaks down the Scherzer situation for The Athletic (subscription required), calls the chances of Scherzer making his next scheduled start against the Phillies on Thursday "remote." More >