SF Giants trade rumors: Padres reportedly “close” to acquiring Max Scherzer

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 18: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park on July 18, 2021. Per recent reports, the SF Giants appear on the verge of losing out on acquiring the Nats ace to a division rival. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

The SF Giants have been tied to Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer, but one of their division rivals is reportedly “close” to adding the righty. Earlier on Thursday, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that the San Diego Padres were “close to acquiring” Scherzer. Following Rosenthal’s report, however, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweeted that while San Diego is very interested in Scherzer, negotiations are far from over. Furthermore, Heyman added that other teams still have a chance to make an offer.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that executives around the league believe the Dodgers and Giants are “perfect” fits for the 37-year-old righty earlier in the week. However, while both appear to still have a chance at adding Scherzer, it looks like it may be another member of the NL West that ultimately reels him in.

The Padres are reportedly “close” to adding Max Scherzer, but the SF Giants may not be out quite yet.

While the righty has a full no-trade clause and is a free agent at the end of the year, reports have suggested he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause and has a particular preference to end up on the West Coast. His agent also discussed possibly working out an extension as part of a deal earlier in the summer, which could allow the acquiring team to lock him into their rotation for years to come. In fact, it seemed like there were multiple ways San Francisco could build a trade package for Scherzer.

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 111 innings pitched, Scherzer has posted a 2.76 ERA, issued just 28 walks, and recorded 147 strikeouts. Most ERA estimators believe Scherzer was a bit lucky in the first half of the season but still project him to be worthy of a spot near the top of a rotation.

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While the San Diego Padres appear to be leading the charge for Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer, the dream of Scherzer donning an SF Giants uniform may not be dead just yet.

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