3:45pm: Scherzer would not approve a trade to the Mets, reports SNY’s Andy Martino, nor would the Nationals be open to trading Scherzer to the current NL East leaders.
8:41am: If Scherzer is to waive his no-trade clause, the right-hander “strongly prefers the West Coast,” a source tells MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. This would naturally favor the Giants, Padres, and Dodgers, while such AL West clubs as the Angels, Athletics, or Mariners couldn’t be ruled out.
July 27, 7:34am: The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal has some details on Scherzer’s complex contract situation, as Scherzer’s deal contains a lot of deferred money. The roughly $11.8MM remaining of Scherzer’s $35MM salary for 2021 is entirely deferred until 2028, so a new team wouldn’t have to pay that money out for seven years. However, Scherzer’s luxury tax number would be around the $10MM mark, which is certainly a factor for teams trying to avoid a tax payment. Scherzer has another $7.5MM in signing bonus money due this September, but Rosenthal notes that this bonus payment “is solely the Nationals’ obligation.”
July 26: Nationals ace Max Scherzer has been one of the most intriguing trade candidates in baseball as the Nationals have slid down the standings following a scorching month of June, but a trade surrounding him is also complicated for myriad reasons. He’s being paid $35MM in 2021 and has more than $100MM in deferred money still owed to him from 2022-28. The Nationals, historically, do not operate as sellers under general manager Mike Rizzo. Scherzer has full no-trade protection as a 10-and-5 player (10 years of MLB service, the past five with the same team). Additionally, agent Scott Boras has previously suggested that Scherzer would require some type of incentive (e.g. a contract extension) in order to waive those rights.
It would seem that at least one of those major hurdles, however, is surmountable. Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reports (via Twitter) that Scherzer is open to being traded and would not invoke his 10-and-5 rights for the sole purpose of remaining with the Nationals. However, Scherzer could use that full no-trade protection as a way to have a say in his ultimate destination if the Nats are presented with offers from multiple clubs.
It’s not yet clear whether the Nationals are going to legitimately make Scherzer available, although a weekend sweep at the hands of a 34-64 Orioles club couldn’t have helped convince Rizzo and his staff that the Nats need to operate as a buyer. Rizzo said just under a week ago that he was approaching the deadline with a both a “buy” and “sell” mindset, remaining open to all possibilities depending on how his team played. The implication was that with a strong showing, the Nats would act as they tend to do under Rizzo: make at least incremental upgrades in an effort to push toward the postseason.
That hasn’t happened, however. The Nats are 1-4 since those comments from Rizzo, including the sweep in Baltimore, and the fact that the Nationals had to slow Stephen Strasburg’s throwing program down once again only adds another negative element to the equation. Washington now finds itself eight games below .500, seven and a half back of the division lead and 11 out in the Wild Card hunt. The generally feeble nature of the NL East and the top-heavy trio of contenders in the NL West mean that the only path for an NL East club to reach the postseason is likely via a division title. FanGraphs gives the Nats a 1.4 percent chance of making the playoffs; PECOTA is only marginally better, at an even 2.0 percent.
If the Nats do indeed make Scherzer available, he’d (obviously) be the best starting pitcher on a market that is lacking in impact arms. The three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star, who turns 37 tomorrow, has pitched to a 2.83 ERA with a brilliant 35.1 percent strikeout rate and a 6.1 percent walk rate in 105 innings this season. He’s had one astonishing meltdown that the Padres and Daniel Camarena will never forget, wherein Scherzer allowed 12 percent of the runs he’s yielded all season on one pitch to a just-called-up relief pitcher. Outside of that night, Scherzer has allowed 26 runs in 101 1/3 innings of work (2.31 ERA). He’s held opponents to two or fewer runs in 14 of his 18 starts.
It’s also worth noting that Scherzer had his Saturday start against the Orioles scratched due to discomfort in his right triceps. The injury popped up when he was taking batting practice, not pitching and Scherzer has already said publicly that he plans to make his next start. He underwent an MRI that came back clean, and (via MASNsports.com’s Mark Zuckerman), manager Dave Martinez said Scherzer’s bullpen session today went as planned. Assuming he feels fine tomorrow, he’d be in line to start Thursday’s game for the Nationals — their final game prior to Friday afternoon’s trade deadline.
Nats gonna trade Mad Max…then resign him this offseason
I respect this organization and their moves…very smart
If he gets traded to… San Diego, he’ll never leave. He’ll likely stay with any west coast team if you think about it.
What makes you say that?
If he gets traded it will be to a playoff contender, do you really think he’s going back to a team that’s not ready to win after spending an October in the post-season pitching games that matter?
@bucsfan0004…
1. He will if they outbid everyone else.
2. Who says the Nats won’t contend in 2022?
@BovineCrab
youtube.com/watch?v=BLUkgRAy_Vo
San Diego can’t sign everyone my man. They are about to blow by the luxury tax plus they will get Clevenger back next year. They can’t afford to sign Max in the off season.
Me
@jimthegoat – Scherzer literally just said he prefers the West Coast.
His take makes more sense than the OP’s.
He will when they fail to win a WS……..again
Scherzer has a ring???
@bucsfan0004 – wow, you nailed it. Kudos!
From what the article is saying now he prefers to be traded to the west coast.
They didn’t do that with Harper when Rizzo had a trade worked out with the Astros.
Maybe the Lerners have lerned (hee hee) from their mistakes.
I see what you did there.
@Samuel
Harper wanted that to happen too. He said trade me and then resign me but they didn’t want to trade him for some reason. I would love to hear why they didn’t. Anyone know?
For real, when has this situation happened?
For real, when has a player ever refused to sign with a team specifically BECAUSE they traded him?
Are you just not going to answer?
Cliff Lee and Phillies!
Aroldis Chapman NYY resigned him after trading him to the Cubs
Thats a good one I forgot about that. It’s a rarity though
@OriginalDodger nowhere near as rare as a player refusing to sign with a team specifically BECAUSE they traded him.
To the Giants. He would pitch great for them.
But not so well for anyone else. The stuff you can learn here!
The best pitcher will only pitch well for one team lol ok
One of the best pitchers (in MLB)….the best is deGrom based on the stats.
LFGM
Just like they failed to trade Bryce for nothing and then get him back?
What’s next? You calling the Guardians best name ever?
Sox Keuchel giving up way too many HR’s!!!
Go acquire Scherzer!!!!
Yeah, just like Red Sox fans thought about John Lester.
Cubs offered Lester $20m more than the Red Sox. He would have signed with the Cubs anyway.
Astros swoop in for Verlander the Sequel
You really think he will waive his NTC for the Asstros?
Verlander would be happy to tell him how awesome it is here, for pitchers like him.
Why wouldn’t he? Not like most of the teams weren’t doing the same stuff…. Players don’t care about it – fans and media are the only people that care.
A lot of players, including guys like Trout, openly blasted the Astros for what they did. And no, most other team was not doing what they did with electronics, etc. The players absolutely cared bout it. To hear the criticism from players across MLB, only the Astros engaged in their specific brand of cheating. To say otherwise is simply ignorance or blind bias, or both.
Have you not heard the players and former players say exactly what I said? I mean the A’s even had a player say the same thing over the all star break. You have to be extremely ignorant or just straight up refusing to use common sense to think Houston was the only team. It’s no different than the PED era.
Two teams other than the Astros were fined for doing it in 2017, the Yankees, where the system the Astros used came from and had been in use since 2015, and the Red Sox. Beyond those 3, the Commissioner said that 9 other teams were also found to have been using a similar system, That is 12 of 30 that we know for sure that were using an electronic sign stealing system.
Last I checked Houston is not the west coast…
Scherzer is a must for the Giants, and I’m sure they’re not the only team that will pitch hard for him (Dodgers, I’m sure). But with an extension—even at his age—he’s the guy SF must snag.
I think Dodgers get him over Giants
I’m thinking Dodgers go for Berrios, Pads get Gibson or Gallo or both, Giants get one of Scherzer or Duffy
The Dodgers won’t let a guy like Scherzer go if they can get him.
Well, the difference between Scherzer and Duffy is so astronomical that I think—if SF strikes out with Scherzer—they go for someone more substantial (and less fragile) than Duffy.
Well they still owe Bauer, and would have to pay his 6 years of deferred money to get him for one season, I dunno if that sounds too appetizing
– the nationals do not magically lose the deferred money from past seasons. There’s no reason to think a team will have to take on deferred money from past seasons, unless it’s to limit the prospect cost
Astros get him …
The Giants aren’t going to extend Max in the off season. They have a ton of horrible contracts and they won’t spend big to sign anyone.
Incorrect their payroll is set to drop below 100 million this off season ! Agree though they want get mad max or sign him
Longoria is the only player on the roster who might be view as having a bad contract going forward, and he was playing great before he got hurt. Perhaps La Stella is a bad contract, but a big market team can handle 2 mid-level deals that aren’t great. They could totally afford to extend Max at 35MM a year.
Which horrible contracts are you talking about?
Dodger Jr — You are not paying attention.
TOTALLY wrong, as usual… Crawford, Belt, Posey etc are off the books THIS year.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Anywhere but Boston or the Padres
Random combo
Agreed, we don’t want him in Boston or his crying ass, big breasted bimbo wife. We good thanks
Big breasts you said?
everyone google’s Max’s wife. Yep, big boobs.
No. Not really. images.app.goo.gl/h2uoW9H9rcJ5Qxng9
The radio here is floating a rumor that the Giants are trading Joey Bart & Will Wilson to the Twins for Berrios & Buxton.
Wil be happy to return to reality and sanity in 6 days.
I’ll take that one
it’ll take more than that
That’s an interesting move, and would be excellent for both teams, although Buxton can’t generally stay healthy.
I’ll have what he’s having.
Matos would be heading to Minnesota in a Berrios deal. Some people on here have serious blinders on when it comes to their teams. Like Yankees fans wanting to ship out Frazier, Andujar and Garcia in every trade lol.
He said that’s what he heard on the radio. He’s not just recommending a trade
I’ll take Buxton. I haven’t looked into Berrios enough to say yay or nay for him
Turn the radio off.
Boras will work something out with Lerner. They’ve quite probably been on it for weeks. They have a great relationship.
Scherzer has been worth every penny of his contract with Washington. They should allow him to pitch for a contender this postseason.
Absolutely great signing.
I think the astros are working on a trade with Home Depot for 3 three trash cans
Bazinga!
It’s going to an absolute zoo next week when the Astros head to Dodger Stadium. Trash cans galore.
bread and circuses for the plebes, my man. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Dodgers, including the current well-constructed unit, the Orel-led Astro nemesis of the 80s, and the great teams of the 70s, 60s, and 50s. Not to forget that epic 3-game then 4-game series against us to end the 1980 regular season.
Since opening day 2015, Astros & Dodgers are, by FAR, the greatest teams in MLB.
You were beaten by a GREAT team, in 2017; I hope we cream you this weekend, just to shut everybody up.
And I would LOVE a rematch, this October.
You might be the only astros fan I like. It’ll be great when Correa ends up a dodger
A cheating team in 2017.
Correa becomes Dodger :
“WTF WE LOVE CARLOS CORREA NOW!!!!!!”
tell that to the ’51 Giants, my good man.
Meanwhile, Astros are smoking most of MLB, again, in W/L %, again, and in overall offense, again, by virtue of the Future Pitch Simulator AI Chip they all have installed in their crania.
There is NO CHANCE IN HELL that Correa comes to the Dodgers. The Dodger players already want to get rid of Trevor Bauer for being an abuser so there is no way they want a guy that helped cheat against them to cost LA a WS Championship.
LOL!
Orioles hired our guy as their GM, Tigers hired our manager, Red sox have Cora and Marwin (after Twins), Jays have Springer & Teoscar (and did have Giles), White Sox have Keuchel, Rays have McHugh, and did have Morton, who is now a Brave, Padres have Musgrove whom they got from Pirates, Indians own Peacock, Devinski on IL for Arizona, who are also paying Reddick, Nats have Will Harris, Mets have JD Davis, Cubs have Marisnick, Angels have Stassi, A’s have Tony Kemp post Cubs, you guys ran Tyler White through your clubhouse with no ill effects on team feelz, Brewers picked up Derek Fisher post Jays, Pirates have Moran, and 6 different teams have trotted out Maybin.
Several other players are currently with other organizations, and the number of Luhnow acolytes filling other front offices is legion.
Betts, Mookie
Didn’t Betts and Joe Kelly play for Boston before LA?
I think he ends up on one of the three NL West teams tbh
Dodgers have to be ALL over this one. The Bauer situation is looking worse and they need starting pitching!! What would it take for Scherzer to come to the Dodgers?
An extension, I imagine. Give him the money they had committed to Bauer. The Nats would demand at least one top-shelf prospect, but it would be worth it.
I’m all for that money going to Max. He is worth it! Even at his age. Just don’t see a “Verlander” type trade being fumbled by the Dodgers this time around. I wonder if the Dodgers would also still be in on Berrios. Also, what does that mean for Gonsolin? Dude hasn’t pitched more than 4 innings yet (I didn’t catch his last start tho). A rotation of Buehler, Urias, Kershaw, Scherzer, May/Berrios is excellent!
Problem is that money is still committed to Bauer. Dodgers are still on the hook for that contract.
With the situation, what can Dodgers do to work around that? I really don’t know what happens if you’re suspended by the league and a team has agreed to a salary. I still can’t believe they signed Bauer for 100m/3 years. I’m hoping a trade for Scherzer can still work!
The Dodgers are committed to that contract for now, but that could change.
Unless Bauer goes to jail they are unlikely to get out of his deal. Even then it isn’t a lock.
The only way the dodgers don’t pay that to Bauer is if he is in jail. Even if suspended it won’t be for 3 years. So the dodger betree hope he goes to jail.
Still, I don’t understand how a team is obligated to pay out a salary when the player did this to themselves? He put himself in the situation regardless. In his first presser he said he wouldn’t be a distraction to the team. Like I said, I’m not privy to how all of the financials work if he’s suspended. Not sure if he will do jail time, but it’s looking more likely that Dodgers won’t see Bauer pitch in a long time
It’s called a strong players union.
Doesn’t seem like he’ll do any jail time. I’d be shocked based on what is out there. But a very good chance he’s still suspended and Dodgers probably still on the hook. Even if he’s not suspended it would be such a PR nightmare to play him not to mention the awkwardness and anger in the clubhouse with teammates.
I’m all for a union and players rights but when we are talking about domestic violence and crime, it’s tough to protect someone. I totally understand that the union is what is keeping these players afloat. Honestly, these are very complicated situations.
Yeah there’s reports that Dodger players are not comfortable with Bauer going forward, let alone play with him. I don’t think he will do jail time either but that doesn’t mean he isn’t culpable and did something horrific to someone.
If they actually suspend him instead of administrative leave, dodgers are off the hook for all the games he is suspended for.
Suspension will be over before the 2023 season is over and he’s not opting out.
@ dodgerfan83 Thanks for knowing the answer when so many did not. My prediction is a lengthy suspension (at least 100 games) and the Dodgers paying him some part of his remaining options to make him go away.
@BlueSkies_LA the Dodgers can’t “make” him do anything. Minus whatever he loses from his suspension he’s getting every penny that contract says he’s entitled to.
Someone is pretending to know what’s in his contract who has no idea what’s in his contract. The recently linked LA Times article would be a good starting point for understanding this.
@BlueSkies_LA what’s in his contract is $102m which he’s getting every penny of, minus whatever he loses from the inevitable suspension. He is probably facing a lengthy suspension but if the Pirates can’t void Felipe Vazquez’s contract there’s no way the Dodgers can void Bauer’s contract.
It doesn’t have to be “voided.” Maybe you should have read my comment more carefully, and the LA Times article as well. A direct link for the linkless:
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-07-25/trevor…
I believe someone referenced it earlier but it is part of the CBA specific to domestic violence added in by mlb. It says the contracts cannot be voided if the player is caught in this scenario which is agreed to by both the players and owners under current agreements. Like the pirates fan said above if the pirates HAD to pay Vazquez there is NO way the dodgers dodge that contract.
Too bad they didn’t vette him as well as they thought, he’s been a emotional player a bit of a loose canon his entire time in the league previous to the dodgers. It will be interesting to see what Friedmans explanation is that we can expect according to Kasten.
I also find it odd that the dodger players now have issue with domestic violence in the clubhouse since Urias also had his own recent go with it, maybe it’s the players fighting back saying they won’t allow ownership to keep paying these guys.
Who knows it’ll be interesting because he will have the suspension extended no matter what since he pushed the court date back into August so why would they bring him back prior Unless they were 100% sure they were in the clear which is impossible. Also I believe in the article it says the Victim is calling 3 police officers to testify, that doesn’t have great optics from my angle for the player and the team.
The Pirates are not paying Vazquez for as long as he is on the restricted list, which will be for the duration of his contract.
We don’t know yet how long a suspension Bauer will serve (I have my own guess) but to avoid paying him the balance of his contract the Dodgers don’t need to dodge anything. They only need grounds enough to make a contract violation arguable. Then the lawyers get together and figure something out. Contracts are broken this way all the time. That’s why I said they pay him off for a part of his extensions. If Bauer believes he can rebuild his career after this he won’t want to be tied to a team that won’t play him anyway. We’ll see. A lot of other things have to happen first.
Yeah, Kasten and Friedman at some point should admit that they blew it on the vetting. It would be honest and go a long way towards making this embarrassing mess up to Dodgers fans, but I have zero expectations that it will happen.
@BlueSkies_LA Here is what the article you linked says.
“Bauer’s contract is not publicly available, so whatever grounds the Dodgers might have to void it are unknown. However, the standard player contract allows a team to terminate a deal should the player ‘fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship.'”
There is no precedent for a team actually doing this. Not even the Pirates with Felipe Vazquez. If the Dodgers try to I imagine they will get hit with a grievance from the MLBPA.
Urias was in public and shoved his gf down apparently and that was it (never condoning that but that’s what happened) and Bauer had two known sexual encounters that allegedly resulted in unconsciousness and sever injury. I don’t think you can compare the two. I agree that if the Pirates are still on the hook for FV then most likely Dodgers will have to honor the contract and commitment, although isn’t there something about the restricted list as well? Bauer’s situation is tough to assess. If there’s any way to drop that contract outside of the suspension then that’s great. This is really hurting the Dodgers as an organization and team, the unwanted distraction, the hole in the rotation, the money, optics, and now the deadline is approaching and there’s a huge “what if”. I hope the right moves are made before it’s too late!
@BlueSkies_LA “If Bauer believes he can rebuild his career after this he won’t want to be tied to a team that won’t play him anyway.”
No, he knows his career is over. If the Dodgers (who employ another domestic abuser in Julio Urias) want nothing to do with him why would another team? He’s going to fight tooth and nail to collect every last penny of the contract he signed in February.
@OriginalDodger Are you ever going to answer my question of when has a player ever refused to sign with a team specifically BECAUSE they traded him?
There is no way for the Dodgers to void the deal. Bauer would not settle. He isn’t that type.
People keep talking about jail time…he hasn’t been charged or even arrested for a crime yet. Do people understand that civil and criminal are different things?
Its called innocent until proven guilty. He’s still getting paid while on this administrative leave.
Nice try Perry Mason, but this is not a trial. The decision on a suspension will be made under the terms of the joint policy, same as it was for the previous dozen or so cases.
We have now heard from a close personal friend. What else do you know about his innermost thoughts? Do tell.
Wasn’t Vazquez under arbitration still? Aka 1 year contract? Just curious how it works on multi year contracts differently also thanks for pointing out my failure to mention the non paid suspension again(which he currently is not on but likely will be if the league finds evidence).
No, his arb years were bought out by the Pirates in 2018 with a four year contract, plus two years of club options.
RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks- In reference to calling Urias a “domestic abuser”, I’m not sure that’s fair. The story I heard was he was arguing with his GF in a parking lot, she tried to leave, he put his arm out to stop her, she walked into it and fell, the cops were called, and others said what it looked like. She corroborated his story and it was dropped.
Calling someone a domestic abuser when they’re not is not an ok thing to do.
bleacherreport.com/articles/2839329-dodgers-julio-…
That money is still committed to Bauer, you know
Not if Bauer violated his contract then he can get cut with no pay.
He didn’t violate his contract
And you know this, how exactly?
He doesn’t, but that NEVER stops him from posting drivel anyway.
@Nuanced Jamesian and this is coming from you, the defender of the pitcher win stat? LOL
@BlueSkies_LA See 5TUNT1N’s comment above
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-07-25/trevor…
Ruiz the Catcher to start.
Dodgers will void Bauer’s contract and get Max
Balmy 69 degrees and gorgeous waves rolling into La Jolla right meow…
Niiice.
Scherzer has absolutely earned the right to be able to dictate where he goes. The Nationals would be wise to continue to be very transparent with their handling of Max. It could help them get him back this offseason if they trade him, and it could also help in their pursuit of other free agents if he didn’t return.
I don’t see why any team woud give up much—even for Scherzer—if he’s simply a rental. I’m sure the Giants wouldn’t. But if an extension can be reached (as the press has suggested must happen) I think the Giants are all over him.
He’s literally earned the right, what with the 10 and 5 rights he has based on his tenure.
Thus there’s no need to worry about how to handle Scherzer offers, the Nationals can just ask him what teams he’d be willing to play for, and if those teams call on him, go from there.
Who pays the 100MM in deferred money? Has to be the Nats, right?
As of now, yes, 100%. This money can be part of any barter between clubs, though. Pay more to send less, wink wink.
As with everything, it’s negotiable, but the less the Nats pay, the less their prospect return. I think they pay all of the deferred and part of this year’s remainder to get better prospects.
Hyrax, I believe you nailed it. No team is paying any part of his contract past this year.
It is going to be interesting to see if the Nationals trade Scherzer in the next few days. This all depends on certain teams that are at the Luxury Tax Threshold or already above it or have room not go over it can pull off a deal for both sides. Teams like the Astros Padres, Red Sox and Yankees who are looking for a player at Scherzer’s caliber are just under the threshold where picking up him and the reminder of his contract for the season would put them over it. In the mean time, the Dodgers are already above the threshold while are indeed of a pitcher can be on the move for Scherzer while this all depends on Bauer’s situation. A team like the White Sox are well under the threshold and picking up Scherzer for the remainder of the year would not put them over it.
In all reality the Nationals are looking to get the best available deal for Scherzer while all of the teams above have something to offer on their MLB roster and farm systems. All we could do is stay tune to see what happens but it seems Scherzer is staying with the Nationals. Who knows what is going to happen and if Scherzer wants one more chance to win one more World Series.
Astros have said that IF they’re going into tax territory, they’re gonna go BIG into tax territory.
I can see the Astros being on Scherzer which can put them over the top with a great front of the line rotation in the playoffs. If the Astros pull of this move this is more telling Greinke we are trying to get you that ring.
Isn’t that the lie to tell your fan base? Then you get to say… Welp, it wasn’t really worth it and look like you tried
That’s not how the Astros roll.
Giants? They have plenty of $ to spend, coming off of the books.
Shouldn’t even be a discussion for nats. They’d get back an absolute embarrassment of riches if they traded him in a market so thin on pitching, and he’d probably just re-sign with them in the offseason. Their farm system sucks too, so they need the pieces they’d get for him.
Not gonna get a haul for a rental. This isn’t the 90s anymore
Maybe not a “haul” but the Nationals aren’t giving up Scherzer unless they’re getting a blue chipper plus a couple high upside prospects
The only way that happens is if they eat the $100MM and throw in other pieces
Once again. The 100M isn’t attached to him unless it’s negotiated in. It’s past money
The Nats are not going to get “an absolute embarrassment of riches” UNLESS Scherzer works out an extension with the team he’s traded to. Neither the Dodgers, nor Giants, nor Pads are gutting their system for a rental.
I think we all are severely underestimating how much Rizzo will give up for one top100 prospect or so.
Say what you will but IF the cardinals are pushing for top end pitching (I’m not sure they are this year) this is a no doubt situation that Mad Max finishes his career in STL. He will bend more to go there because of his roots.. he has said he wanted to be a cardinal before in his career. We shall see
This topic has come up in STL many times…the fact is he has no more connection to STL than any other place because his family has moved away from STL a long time ago.
Let me guess: “Frazier, Andujar, and a low-level prospect should get this done.”
Add Gardy to make it a real Big Apple Party!
And if not it’s because people just don’t want to trade with the Yankees.
Well that trade offer was just thrown in the Turner post.
Since he is a free agent after this year and if he gets trades how does the differed money work?
All circumstantial to any deal. Can be bartered upon… or not.
I’d guess the deferred money would still be paid by the Nationals, regardless of who pays Scherzer the rest of the year. Bobby Bonilla’s deferred money is paid by the Mets, even though he played for quite a few teams after his time in New York.
Wow…let’s see the Kings randsom..
Scherzer Padres, mark that Sh*t down… The Pads are going to go all in with the dodgers floundering.
Keep dreaming!
Are you saying that you don’t expect this to happen? Preller has shown to be willing to pull the trigger on big trades
The Padres better expect to give up Paddack as the main piece in that trade.
They totally would
Why would the Nats wand Paddack? He’s been a mess since his solid rookie year?
Dodgers have the second best record in the NL, third best in MLB, and are closer to the Giants in first than they are to the Padres in third. If that’s floundering…
Exactly how are the dodgers floundering? Lmao they have a 67% chance to get the division per fangraphs
Brewers.
Scherzer had a career quite buena,
Hey, Camarena
Well for Scherzer you have to ante up a legitimate top-ish prospect. The Rays and Padres have the deeper systems and are more likely to be willing to part with a prospect
Why even bring up the rays when it comes to Max Scherzer???
Grew up a block away from him in St. Louis. He wants to come to the cardinals in the off-season
Can’t argue with that logic.
Kevin Gausman had been shaky lately, can’t see him being our #1 going into the playoffs.
And the Yankees acquired Trevor story per John heyman
No, they made an offer with no current traction.
I heard he only waives the no-trade to go to Pittsburgh.
no way Arizona has his number ready
Dodgers will offer him an extension for huge money, as their deep pockets will play here….that is the only reason I think Giants don’t get him.
But will Giants offer up Minor talent that will sacrifice future, and Are the Dodgers willing to give up front line prospect as well as their upper level talent pool is less deep than Giants.
Dodgers would have to offer at least one of the likes of: Ruiz, Busch, Pepiot
Giants would have to offer at least one of likes of: Bart, Ramos, Kilian
I cannot see Giants offering the type of high dollars and more than 3 years extension.
If max is traded it won’t be for a top 50 prospect. 2 month rentals aren’t being traded for those type of prospects anymore.
It would be 3/4 guys in the 5-20 range. That’s how deals are done now.
I get your point but for a bidding war on Scherzer you’re probably going to need one legitimate prospect 4-6 in your system
This is a highly prized ace on the market. You’re probably going to need your #4 prospect, something in the 15-20 range and then a lower end prospect
But NOT if it’s only a rental.
Additionally, agent Scott Boras has previously suggested that Scherzer would require some type of incentive (e.g. a contract extension) in order to waive those rights.
NOT A RENTAL….BORAS knows $$$$$$
@Datashark Boras already backpedaled that statement. And a Scherzer extension at this point would basically be a market rate deal. Not the type of thing that boosts his trade value.
The luxury tax comes in to play on this one..some are over and may not care for the remainder of the year….some refuse to go over and a few contenders have the room. Those who think he’ll resign with the Nats are delusional…he’ll sign somewhere he has a chance to win WS.
No way the Rays trade for Cruz…And then, Boomstick is ours.
No way the Rays trade for Max…Shhhh, let me dream!
They won’t, just stop dreaming.
Interestingly, the Astros could offer a quality, young, controllable, MLB starting pitcher if they wanted to pull this off
Whatever team scherzer goes to will win the world series. Then he will resign with the nats
What if the Yankees offer Clark Schmidt or Devi Garcia , Luis Gil and Alexander Vargas (#,2/3, #5 and # 13 . They can have miggy or Frazier but not sure they have much value currently . I am assuming a negotiating window was guaranteed ( ie extension ) . Seems like a lot in prospects so maybe it’s close no idea .
Why do Yankees fans keep bringing up Andujar and Frazier in every trade scenario. No one wants them.
Because Yankee fans think they are entitled to any good player who comes on the market, no matter what trash they offer in return.
Add Dodgers, Red Sox, and Giants fans to the list. I’m so sick of the entitlement in sports these days. It’s like there’s not supposed to be any competition whatsoever.
Are you the one that was trading “prospects” for stars?
The Red Sox have traded Moncada, Kopech, Betts, Price, Benintendi, Andrew Miller, Jalen Beeks, Heath Hembree, Workman to get the team they have. The only high profile free agent was JD Martinez. They haven’t really taken advantage of anyone. Many of their players are from their own system. Yes, they are a big market team with a high payroll. But I don’t think entitlement applies to them. Success? Definitely. Spoiled fans? Sure. But for those of us who have been through 60 years of them, we’re just happy when they’re good because that’s not an expectation all the time.
Is there a really rich owner anywhere who could cover a lot of his differed money right away?
Deffered! I can’t spell
Strike 2
Yes but nobody will.
Third time is hopefully the charm, Tidy. Try again.
Can someone with a rich intellect and a kindly, sharing nature please explain why it’s such a given to so many that Maximillian re-signs with Washington? I don’t see that happening.
St. Louis for one seems a better personal option for him in about every way. Not to mention some others that tend to pay straight up cash.
It’s a fan thing. Since they love their team, they assume Mad Max must equally, if not more so, love their team. The problem with this thinking is Scherzer will likely get traded to a contender, like one of the Sox’s, or to lovely San Diego, or to some other team likely to contend and give him several more shots at a World Series title, and this new team likely won’t pull any deferred-payment shenanigans, so Maximillian will likely have delivered his last pitch for the Nats if he’s traded this week. Nats fans don’t want to acknowledge this, because fans are fanatics.
I wish St Louis would trade for him but our GM only likes low hanging fruit as he says.
Brewers are in on Scherzer….imagine a rotation in the playoffs of Scherzer….Burnes….Woodruff and Peralta….damn….
Would I love the rumors to be true and he lands in Queens of course, but definitely dont see that happen. My gut says Houston or Boston or Toronto pulled the wool over everyone and acquires mad Max.
I know what the article said. As I pointed out already, the comparison to Vazquez is moot. He is on the restricted list and consequently is not being paid. As for precedents, I wouldn’t worry about them too much. My guess is the lawyers are huddled right now talking about this entire ball of wax.
Also, there’s no way Bauer accepts a settlement so that he can “try to rehab his career with another team.” Like, he knows he’s done.
Another close personal friend who knows his innermost thoughts?
Leave the snark to those of us who are good at it buddy.
Let me know if you find anyone.
Will do.
At this stage of his career I’m sure he would want to go to a contender and play October baseball, then he can reassess in the offseason what to do. Plenty of teams will come calling and he will pick where he wants to go, he deserves that, but it’s still a business and the Nats will still want a good return. I can’t see him signing with them again, they won’t be competitive for a couple of years. Go get another ring Max
If Bloom grew a pair he’d get down on his knees and plead with ownership to spend the pro-rated portion of Scherzer’s salary so the Red Sox would have Sale and Scherzer for the playoffs. For all the Red Sox fans who are waiting for the pin to burst the balloon, getting Sale back, adding Houck and then picking up Scherzer would go a long way to keeping the inevitable collapse from happening.
As a free agent next year, the owners can go back to pocketing their profits rather than re-investing in the team but at least a shot for a ring would exist. Without a significant pick-up it might be another 86 years until the next ring.
“inevitable collapse”. LOL!
We are watching a reenactment of 2015/2016. In 2015 the Sox no-showed, just like last year, and instead of making the playoffs as expected, they finished far out. It happens. The O’s the same, and when you added in the unwillingness of MFY to go all in that year, it meant the Shamrocks won the division. LOL!
After that fluke, the Sox returned the next year to win the division and the O’s bounced back as well.
Last year, the Sox finished far below expectations again, and this year have plexiglassed themselves back into the Division lead.
The Sox won’t win it all this year probably, but I don’t really care all that much,. They will go to the playoffs, and perhaps go deep. They are much more likely to win it all though, than they are to collapse.
Brewers are in on Scherzer….their playoff rotation would be formidable if they pulled it off….
Scherzer
Woodruff
Burnes
Peralta
If they go to a 3 man rotation Peralta can be a bullpen boost….
I’m curious as to what everyone thinks their team would have to give up for the Nats to do a deal with them. Being a CWS fan if I’m Rizzo I’m asking for one of these three in return and another prospect. Kopech, Vaughn or Crochet. I don’t think Rizzo will do a deal unless he gets a controllable MLB player back. If I’m Rick Hahn I probably consider Vaughn, but not the other two.
No way the Sox trade Vaughn. For Max they are looking at a fringe top 100 prospect type or a couple back end top 10 in the org type.
Standard wording in MLB contracts in reference to Bauer.
When teams have tried to void contracts in the past, they have relied on paragraph 7(b)1 of the uniform player’s contract, which states that a contract can be voided if a player “shall fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship or keep himself in first-class physical condition.”
Paragraph 3 (a), furthermore, states that “The player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition and to obey the club’s training rules, and pledges himself to the American public and to the club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship.”
The $100MM deferred shouldn’t complicate the deal. All the deferred money was constructed to lower the Nats payments over the life of the contract. The overwhelmingly bulk of that obligation remains with the Nats. If he has any deferred in 2021, then a prorated portion (about 1/3rd of of the 2021 deferment) might be moved, or the Nats might absorb it fully for a better return. Seems minor, and could even be a plus for the acquiring team.
As am acquiring team, it’s be cool if you could say screw the deferment and pay it to him up front. Nats deferals have always left a sour taste in my mouth. Smart for business and salary balancing no question about it
I don’t see Farhan Zaidi offering one of the Giants top prospects for two months of Max Scherzer, unless more players are involved. Scherzer alone, not happening.
I see the Dodgers as the team that will ultimately acquire Scherzer.
Is Max going to Dodgers for C Keibert Ruiz and RHP Clayton Beeter?
200 comments from Cardinals and Yankees fans wetting their pants over a guy they have no prospect capital to acquire in the first place, then he says he prefers the West Coast – LMAO
Priceless!!!
There is approximately a single comment from a Yankee fan proposing a trade and a dozen comments from you.
Priceless!
The Rays could actually be a possibility, with the remaining amount deferred.
…and the farm system to pull it off. The Nats might fully absorb the remaining deferred payments for a better return.
The biggest challenge might be getting Scherzer to agree to go to Tampa if Boras plans to insist on an extension.
He has to be going to the NL West, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his decision is based on what happens in the Giants-Dodgers series this week.
The Giants, Dodgers, and Padres can all make an offer that the Nats will accept, and Max is going to go where he has the best chance to win another ring.
All three teams will make the postseason.
Imagine max on dodgers….sheesh if they don’t win with bauer, max, buehler and kershaw they will be a joke
lol, Bauer is not going to pitch for the Dodgers again this year and probably ever.
Bauer won’t be charged and la times is an opinion based outlet with little to no credibility. Educate yourself on basic law, there no case for defense. This is mlb trying to silence one of there biggest critics. Not hard to see
I think you can rule out Oakland.
Let’s go Jerry dipotooooooooo
Yes, get him on board, sign him to a one- or two-year deal. He’ll look great in the M’s rotation for a year or two while the kids develop in the minors, and might even help the M’s get to the playoffs this year and next year.
“However, Scherzer’s luxury tax number would also be around the $11.8MM mark, which is certainly a factor for teams trying to avoid a tax payment.”
The Dodgers are one franchise too smart to let the luxury tax prevent them from winning. Apparently the folks in LA know how to count, and they realize that the value of a World Series win far outweighs the cost of paying the luxury tax. If I had to guess, I’d pick Dodger Stadium as Max’s most likely landing spot.
Well they are still on the hook for Bauer, so some finagling is in order
I’m sure there’s a clause in the contract about behavior/criminal indictment/etc.
I’m sure there’s a good behavior clause too, but he’s still getting paid and his court date isn’t for 3 weeks
The CBA probably requires paid suspensions in such cases till his actions would dictate the contract is void. Also, I’m sure the Dodgers would file a civil suit if the paid suspension last the remainder of the season and he’s behavior dictates the contract is in fact void during the offseason.
The commissioner doesn’t have to wait for the court to make a decision on a suspension under the joint policy, and most likely he won’t, as that process could conceivably take months if not years. In fact the only thing the courts are looking at now is the restraining order, and it has little to no bearing on the issues that will be considered under the policy. Understand what’s in the policy and spend a lot less time thinking about the courts.
The joint policy calls for seven days of paid administrative leave, with extensions allowed if the union agrees to it. The union has agreed to two of them in this case, including another just today. The player remains on paid leave until/unless a suspension is ordered. The player then serves the suspension unpaid.
I’m not sure about this, but I think they might be able to terminate Bauer’s contract if he’s convicted of sexual violence. This is from the CBA:
7.(b) The Club may terminate this contract upon written notice to the Player (but only after requesting and obtaining waivers of this contract from all other Major League Clubs) if the Player shall at any time:
(1) fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the
standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship or to keep himself in first-class physical condition or to obey the Club’s training rules; or
@Mr. Person no team has ever voided a player’s contract on those grounds before. And it’s not as if there haven’t been opportunities.
In 1994, the Braves voided Ron Gant’s contract after he was injured in the prohibited activity of riding a dirt bike. In 2004, the Yankees voided Aaron Boone’s contract when he was injured in the prohibited activity of a basketball game.
I would think that, given the political climate surrounding Bauer’s alleged activity and the fact that MLB recently suspended Domingo German for the entire 2020 season when a league official witnessed him slapping his girlfriend, despite there having been no criminal charges, Bauer’s case might be the first where the “morals clause” could be used to successfully void his contract. I wouldn’t bet against the Dodgers if they go that route.
Yankees didn’t void German’s contract. Pirates didn’t void Felipe Vazquez’s contract (and Vazquez would have been the perfect opportunity to test this clause out)
Seems it needs to be mentioned around here about every five minutes or so or people will forget, but the law and the joint policy are not the same thing. As far as how this proceeds, I’d be looking more at the money climate than the political climate.
Also needs to be mentioned every five minutes or so that the Pirates didn’t need to void Vazquez’s contract because they are not paying him anyway.
Dodgers are way over the luxury tax threshold. They will be taxed significantly on the any dollars that are added to the current payroll. However, I do not believe they care. They will get under the cap in 2022 or 2023 to reset the penalty threshold percents….
No Mets. No Rays. I predict the Dodgers if the Dodgers in fact want him.
I’m guessing padres, they got money back in the Frazier deal, ownership already said they are willing to exceed luxury tax, and Preller has shown willingness to make big moves.
Plus they have the prospect capital to outbid the dodgers
Unless SD gives up some of their top 4 then the rest of their system is a bunch of meh. That’s a narrative that’s well in need of being retired
“3:45pm: Scherzer would not approve a trade to the Mets, reports SNY’s Andy Martino, nor would the Nationals be open to trading Scherzer to the current NL East leaders.”
Metsfan hardest hit.
“He doesn’t want to be a part of something special.” – MetsFan22
Ha you must have commented that as I was commenting.. that’s priceless
I actually kinda like MetsFan22, but could not resist posting that
I like him too. Even though I sometimes argue with him. He’s just having fun.
@Von lol clearly he doesn’t want to be on the best team in MLB history.
I want to see how creative Metsfan22 will be to spin this one.
rip Mets
Rosenthal: “Scherzer’s complex contract situation, as Scherzer’s deal contains a lot of deferred money. The roughly $11.8MM remaining of Scherzer’s $35MM salary for 2021 is entirely deferred until 2028, so a new team wouldn’t have to pay that money out for seven years. However, Scherzer’s luxury tax number would also be around the $11.8MM mark, which is certainly a factor for teams trying to avoid a tax payment. Scherzer has another $7.5MM in signing bonus money due this September, but Rosenthal notes that this bonus payment “is solely the Nationals’ obligation.”
As I pointed out elsewhere, a team that doesn’t care about the money (perhaps they are already over the cap) might just pay all of Max’s salary for the remainder of the year and provide additional “cash considerations” to the Nats that would result in a lower cost in prospects. That team might have no interest in Max beyond the three plus months remaining in the season/playoffs….
This approach might provide the Nats with additional incentive, presuming they want to resign Max this winter, to feel more comfortable trading Max away for a few months…
Can’t blame him not wanting to play for a slimy org like the Mets.
Any idea why Max would rule out the Mets?
Probably doesn’t want to live in New York and/or play for a division rival.
His splits at Citi Field are great, so it’s not the venue.
Maybe he’s put off by Mr. Met’s big head.
Have you been to New York recently?
Have you? I live in Manhattan and love it.
Poor Mets fans . That one hurt
Padres, Giants, and Dodgers all have the equity to trade for Scherzer. The question is, how much are they willing to spend. I’m sure Rizzo will be playing all 3 against each other. Of those 3 teams, I say the Dodgers need him the least, but will they overpay to keep him from going to one of the other 2 teams.
Today is Max’s birthday, btw. I wonder if he’ll get a new team for a birthday present.
Mad Max and Ohtani at the top of the rotation with Trout and Rendon coming back. That would be quite a force. Of course you’ll also need some bullpen help because you can’t serve a New York steak and then offer gummie bears for dessert.
As long as they are “special” gummies, then I’m in!
Arthur, that can be arranged. Last night with Maddon using Quintana and his 7 ERA in the 8 inning, I needed to consume a case of “special” gummies to get through the game.
I will offer Perry a truck load of special gummies and a box of electric Kit Kats if he can get some bullpen arms to help out this pitching staff.
Does Perry have cataracts? That’s the only reason that I eat them…..;)
You might say the Halos owe it to the baseball world to give Trout a fighting chance at a postseason berth while he’s still in his prime. I dunno if ownership sees it that way though.
ROFL
Always interests me when a team that is out of the race refuses to trade a rental to a division rival. The division rival has way more to lose than they do, as they only have to face their former player on a division rival for two months, in which they aren’t contending anyway.
I agree this is weak as a explanation in general, but the difference in this case is Scherzer seemingly won’t waive his no-trade unless he gets an extension.
Can people please stop repeating that? Boras already backpedaled that statement. And the only reason Max Scherzer, a likely future Hall of Famer in the middle of a “business as usual” season who can be a free agent at the end of the season and will not be eligible for a qualifying offer would NEED an extension is if he knows he’s about to blow his arm out in the next 3 months.
Not really, if you read what he said. As usual he’s trying to play both sides of the street. We don’t need to be fooled by that. He made it clear he’ll be looking for something more for his client than a straight rental trade, or his name isn’t Scott Boras, and last I checked, it still was.
He said they would be looking for “some kind of contractual inducement” and that “contractual inducement” doesn’t necessarily mean extension. And it was then later reported by Jesse Dougherty of the WaPo (and then repeated in the article we are commenting on) that Scherzer is “open to being traded and would not invoke his 10-and-5 rights for the sole purpose of remaining with the Nationals. However, Scherzer could use that full no-trade protection as a way to have a say in his ultimate destination if the Nats are presented with offers from multiple clubs.” So it, unexpectedly, sounds like getting traded to a contender in a city he likes would be more than enough of an “inducement.”
And like I said, Scherzer doesn’t need an extension. Teams will be lining up to sign him this winter. And Boras even said later on that he’d rather negotiate on the open market than only be allowed to negotiate with one team.
A desire to choose the team he may be traded to was unexpected to you?
@Chief Two Hands No! But he doesn’t have to get an extension to do that.
Trying to think of another “contractual inducement” that makes sense for Scherzer other than an extension, and all I can come up with is a pony. Max really wants a pony. As for an extension, it isn’t a matter of need, it’s a matter of want. It would go well with the pony.
Like I said. Getting to play for an actual contender should be more than enough of an “inducement.” Max already isn’t a Nats lifer so accepting a trade won’t ruin his legacy or whatever.
And Jesse Dougherty already said that Max would just use the NTC to dictate which team he goes to rather than just blocking trades altogether.
Because otherwise he’s liable to be traded to a non-contender?
If it isn’t an extension or a player option, I’m still going with the pony until I hear some better ideas.
@BlueSkies_LA dude he has a full NTC. He can already block a trade to a non-contender. No extension needed.
MetsFan22 gonna cry.
Nah! She’ll say that she never wanted him in the first place. Happens every time.
I will make a Bold Prediction, Scherzer will play for Philadelphia in a few days & they will overtake the Mets for the Division Championship.
Ran into Max Scherzer at a grocery store in Capitol Hill last week. I told him how cool it was to meet him in person, but I didn’t want to bother him and ask him about the trade rumors. He said, “Oh, like you’re doing now?” I was taken aback, and all I could say was “Huh?” but he kept cutting me off and going “huh? huh? huh?” and closing his hand shut in front of my face. I walked away and continued with my shopping, and I heard him chuckle as I walked off. When I came to pay for my stuff up front I saw him trying to walk out the doors with like fifteen Milky Ways in his hands without paying. The girl at the counter was very nice about it and professional, and was like “Sir, you need to pay for those first.” At first he kept pretending to be tired and not hear her, but eventually turned back around and brought them to the counter. When she took one of the Milky Ways and started scanning it multiple times, he stopped her and told her to scan them each individually “to prevent any electrical infetterence,” and then turned around and winked at me. I don’t even think that’s a word. After she scanned each bar and put them in a bag and started to say the price, he kept interrupting her by yawning really loudly.
Have you been smoking the devil’s lettuce, Jim?
Great stuff, Jim! Sounds like the time I ran into Jimi Hendrix last summer at a Safeway in Seattle.
Was Hendrix into Milky Way or Three Musketeers?
Jim you win the internet for today.
Trea Turner was just removed from the game.
Covid