MLB trade rumors: SF Giants emerging as “perfect fit” for Max Scherzer

Rumors are swirling around the SF Giants heading into this week’s MLB trade deadline, and a pair of recent reports have made a trade to acquire Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer seem far more likely than previously believed. Reports earlier this summer suggested Scherzer would be unwilling to waive his no-trade clause without a massive extension. However, per MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand, he is amicable to approving a move but would “strongly prefer” landing on the West Coast.

Max Scherzer trade rumors: Are the SF Giants an ideal landing spot?

ESPN’s Jeff Passan later reported that executives around the league believe the Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants are “perfect” fits for the 37-year-old righty. Located on the West Coast with plenty of payroll space to ink him to a long-term extension, it seems the two rivals could be facing off to acquire one of the best pitchers in MLB.

Many Giants fans may clamor for a trade to acquire an elite closer or a middle-of-the-lineup bat, but San Francisco has been far more heavily tied to starting pitching in recent days. It seems that they are set on upgrading their rotation. The question is, how high has president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi set his sights?

No starting pitcher on the market comes with a better track record than Scherzer. Arguably the best pitcher in the league over the past decade, Scherzer has continued performing at an elite level in 2021. Across 105 innings pitched, Scherzer has posted a 2.83 ERA, issued just 25 walks, and recorded 142 strikeouts. Most ERA estimators believe Scherzer was a bit lucky in the first half of the season (3.22 xERA, 3.47 FIP, and 3.37 xFIP) but still project him to be worthy of a spot near the top of a rotation.

If the SF Giants plan on going big at this year’s MLB trade deadline, they have to consider making a run at Max Scherzer. According to a pair of recent reports, the Giants appear to be a “perfect fit” for the 37-year-old ace.