Nats prefer quick Scherzer trade (report)

It’s possible Max Scherzer has thrown his final pitch as a member of the Nationals.

According to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, Washington wants to find a trade for Scherzer in the next 24 to 48 hours so the right-hander has time to work out any details related to his no-trade clause.

Rosenthal calls the chances of Scherzer making his next scheduled start against the Phillies on Thursday “remote.” Scherzer was scratched from his last start due to mild right triceps discomfort, so he hasn’t taken the mound for Washington since July 18 against the Padres.

Scherzer has 10-and-5 rights, given to all players who have been in the Majors at least 10 years and with their current franchise for at least five, which means he can veto any trade. Scherzer’s agent, Scott Boras, has indicated the righty would likely seek some compensation to agree to waive his veto power.

A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Scherzer prefers to be traded to a West Coast team, and notes that the Dodgers, Giants and Padres are considered the three favorites. However, The Athletic's Jayson Stark reports that at least eight teams are in the mix: the three NL West contenders, plus the Red Sox, Rays, Blue Jays, Astros and Mets.

Scherzer is in the final season of a seven-year, $210 million deal with Washington. The entirety of his $35 million salary this year is deferred, interest free, as it was in each of the past two seasons. That said, for the purposes of the Competitive Balance Tax, Scherzer's deal carries an annual CBT figure of $28.689 million.