MLB Rumors: Could Max Scherzer be available at the trade deadline?
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, citing sources close to the right-hander, reported that New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer could be open to waiving his no-trade clause if the team's season continues to go sideways.
Scherzer's presence on the trade block would singlehandedly change the deadline. The buzz amongst executives is that this deadline could lack any big moves, as there don't appear to be any stars available ahead of July 31.
"I'm really not sure what's gonna be big to buy," said one National League general manager whose team will be buyers at the deadline.
But if the Mets continue to fall in the standings, and are in position to sell, Scherzer could become the premium trade chip once again.
It's also possible that team owner Steve Cohen could eat some of Scherzer's salary in a potential trade to maximize any potential trade package, something he did in the recent trade that sent Eduardo Escobar to the Angels.
MLB Rumors: Could the Angels pursue a Max Scherzer trade?
I want to preface with this: This is total speculation by me. I have no idea if the Angels are actually going to do this.
But it makes sense.
The Angels need starting pitching, especially a frontline starting pitcher. They showed interest in Scherzer at the 2021 trade deadline and in the following offseason. And while he reportedly preferred an east coast team as a free agent, his trade list in 2021 clearly favored playing on the west coast.
It remains to be seen what exactly the Mets would demand for Scherzer if he becomes available. But considering the Angels' desire to compete for a playoff spot this year as they attempt to entice Shohei Ohtani to stay in Anaheim, it's entirely possible it would be a price that they'd be willing to pay.
MLB Rumors: The Nationals are making players available via trade
The Washington Nationals have made third baseman Jaimer Candelario available via trade, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, and he is likely to be dealt ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.
As Morosi noted, Candelario is the most valuable third baseman in the National League this season, via FanGraphs' Wins Above Replacement metrics.
The 29-year-old is on an expiring contract, so he won't fetch a premium return, but he is hitting .263/.338/.471 with an .809 OPS, 10 home runs and 38 RBI this season with the Nationals.
There should be decent interest in Candelario on the trade market, and it's very likely he is entering his final month in Washington, a team that is well out of contention in the NL East and even the wild card picture already before the All-Star break.