Max Scherzer – Yea or Nay?
Before I answer with my position, let me do my best to lay out some of the factors assuredly being discussed in the Dodger “war rooms”. Max Scherzer is a HOF pitcher who can still bring it at 37. He would be a front of the rotation pitcher even with the Dodgers. This year he is 7-4 with a 2.83 ERA and an exceptional WHIP of 0.886 in 105 IP.
Before I answer with my position, let me do my best to lay out some of the factors assuredly being discussed in the Dodger “war rooms”.
Max Scherzer is a HOF pitcher who can still bring it at 37. He would be a front of the rotation pitcher even with the Dodgers. This year he is 7-4 with a 2.83 ERA and an exceptional WHIP of 0.886 in 105 IP. He has 142 strikeouts against 25 walks. That is a SO/W ratio of 5.68. He has allowed 17 HRs, which is on pace to surrender more HRs in 2021 than any other season other than his CY year of 2016 when he yielded 31.
While not in the MadBum post season class, Max has been tough. In 22 games and 112.0 IP, Max has a 7-5 records with a 3.38 ERA. He has compiled 137 strikeouts vs 46 walks, and given up 12 HRs (3 to LAD). Not as scary 2.98 SO/W. Being candid, he would probably fall into the #2 slot behind Walker Buehler who has been sparkling in post season play. 11 games, 61.1 IP, 2.35 ERA with a 1-1 WL record because LAD cannot score for Walker. He has 83 K and 22 BB and has allowed 5 HRs. Walker gets the ball in a one game WC or in Game 1 of the NLDS.
There is a lot to like about getting Max for the stretch run and October. But at what cost. A rental CF, Starling Marte, cost Oakland Jesus Luzardo. Don’t look at his stats right now. He is a 23 year old who has three plus pitches with plus command and control. He has been hurt, and like Sixto Sanchez, that has to be a concern going forward. But Oakland gave up a lot as a potential Ace for the A’s to win it this year.
Farhan says he is not giving up Joey Bart for a rental. So does Andrew regarding Keibert Ruiz. Will one blink? Or will Preller swoop in and include Luis Campusano? All three front runners have a catcher that Washington would covet.
Who knows the truth when Scott Boras opens his mouth, but his latest comments indicate that he is NOT looking for an extension. Boras prefers negotiating with all 30 teams over 1. He will still ask for something. Maybe he will want to move up the $10MM deferral from 2028 to some time sooner. Maybe tax issues. Who knows, but it will not be free to waive Max’s no trade clause.
On the flip side, Max is not unbeatable. In the postseason, Max is 1-1 against LAD. In 13.0 IP he has allowed 5 runs (3.46 ERA) with 12 Ks and 3 BBs. And as previously indicated, he allowed 3 HRs in those 12 innings.
I am writing this before Wednesday’s game, but Max would not have made a difference in Julio’s start. Well I guess he could have allowed 0 runs. The 8th inning error would still have occurred, and we all know how LAD does in extra inning games. The starting pitching has not been a problem now that Gonsolin and Price are stretching out. As many on this site (and others) have said, this team is not going to win unless Mookie, Seags, and Clayton Kershaw come back healthy, and Belli turns it around. CT3 can play 2B and Lux can go to the bench for this year. I like Lux, and think he will be a star, just not this year.
Scherzer would make any rotation better. But is starting pitching really a problem? How much would Scherzer add to Buehler, Urias, Kershaw if the Dodgers can find another option (internally or externally)?
Would I include Keibert Ruiz for a rental, even one as good as Max Scherzer? No. I would include Ruiz for Luis Castillo, but the Reds do not need another catcher. They have a fine catcher (more than fine) in 24 year old Tyler Stephenson. Jose Berrios? I do not think Berrios is that big of an upgrade over what the Dodgers have to move their #1 prospect. He would be better than the current #4, but at the cost of Ruiz? And Minnesota NEEDS catching, so you know Ruiz would be a must. Byron Buxton? He just cannot stay on the field enough. LAD has enough injury concerns.
I m not opposed to trading Keibert, but not a knee-jerk reaction at the trade deadline. Take some time to see if there is another option next winter, and see how much Cartaya develops. I am sorry for all of you Austin Barnes haters, but he is a perfect backup catcher. The pitchers love to pitch to him, and he hits enough, not a lot, but enough for this supposed offensive juggernaut. As so many complain about his inability to throw out runners, although by the slimmest of margins, Barnes has a better rate at the ML level than does Ruiz at MiLB. Ruiz has still not improved his transfer from glove to hand enough to bring that CS% up. Bringing up Ruiz now would put him on the bench as a PH, and why take him away from playing every day? Hold on for a month, and he will get called up. Smith is an AS catcher (forget what the votes said). Why should he move? Can he play ML 2B or 3B? He hasn’t yet, so how do you know. Because he played some there in college? He is an exceptional athlete so he can move there as a fill in, but I am not convinced he can play enough defensively to stay there. I am amazed at the number of fans who do not value defense. As I said about Seattle, worry about 2022 in the winter.
If the cost for Scherzer is Cartaya and Beeter, make the trade. If AF needs to add another top 20-30 player, okay. Cartaya is a top 100 prospect. In 2017, I wanted Justin Verlander in the worst way. MT and I had some very “healthy” discussions on the merits of Justin Verlander, who like Scherzer had a no-trade clause. Justin wanted to come to LA, so he would have waived it as he did for Houston. Verlander with 2+ years of control brought two top 10 prospects, prospects, and one #23. The best of the bunch, Franklin Perez, who was a top 100 player, has just been a mess with arm issues, and has not pitched since 2019. He had shoulder surgery earlier this season. Daz Cameron (CF) and Jake Rogers (C) were the other two. Scherzer is older and a rental. Cartaya, Beeter, and Jackson, may be an overpay for a rental, but one I would do. Washington probably would not.
Other options: If the offense turns around with the addition of Mookie and Seags, and Kershaw comes back healthy, LAD can live with Price or Gonsolin as #4 and #5. I still like the idea of adding Wade Miley. The cost would be more than reasonable for a #5 pitcher who could be a big lefty out of the pen in the post season. Miley has a $10MM option with a $1MM buyout for 2021. He also has Scherzer type numbers for ERA and WHIP.
But with the offense floundering, I would check into the cost for Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel. Cubs have said they are willing to combine players.
I also love the idea of Trea Turner to LAD. Lux would have to be a part of that deal, and some top pitching (other than Gray). Would Lux, Hoese, and Beeter get it done? Lux and Cartaya? Lux, Cartaya, and Kendall Williams or Andre Jackson? I think Lux becomes an AS with Washington.
I do not like to make trades because I fear what other teams may do. That is exactly how LAD ended up with a significant contract overpay for Trevor Bauer. So if SF or SD overpay to get Max, LAD should just go out and beat him. They are more than capable, and they have done it before. There are other options other than Max Scherzer, and I would like to see AF spend some of his prospect capital for a bat. I do not want to hear there is no place to play. Just like Preller did with Adam Frazier, you make room. Find a way to play a Kris Bryant or a Bryron Buxton or a Trea Turner.
My preference #1 is Max Scherzer if it does not require Keibert Ruiz. Preference #1A – Craig Kimbrel. Preference #2 a difference making bat; Turner, Bryant, Buxton. Preference #3 – Wade Miley. Preference #3A – Ian Kennedy. Preference #4 – Josh Harrison. Preference #4A – Daniel Hudson. Preference #5 – Jonathan Schoop. Preference #5A – Raisel Iglesias. Every one of those players would be an improvement.
I would also check every box possible for Luis Castillo or German Marquez. Let Seattle trade for the Tyler Anderson’s. No to Sonny Gray, Michael Pineda, Danny Duffy, or any of the other mediocre SP being discussed.
So to answer my question above, Would I trade for Max Scherzer…a definite ——-Maybe.
More from Dodger Talk
Dodgers Food Trailer
I did this interview a couple of weeks ago with Chef Mike, who runs the Dodgers Food Trailer for the Great Lakes Loons. They are there for every home and road regular season and playoff game. They prepare three meals a day for approximately 50 people (players and coaches). Since games end late most evenings, they do not prepare breakfast. Many of their hotels have a complimentary breakfast anyway. However,…
Meet LAD 2026 Draft Picks 1-12
3 picks were High School players (2 SS and 1 OF). There was a college OF, college catcher, college SS, and 10 college pitchers. Of all the talk for a need for a catcher, the only catcher the Dodgers selected was Luke Bard, son of LAD bullpen coach Josh Bard. Bard was a 4th year senior from Houston Christian University. He is not a prospect, so the Dodgers are still…
Interview with Paul Beachy – Team Bus Driver For The Great Lakes Loons (LA Dodgers Minor League Team)
It’s been a few days since I did this interview. We have evidently been working my son-in-law (the video guy) like a rented mule at US Water Systems. However, I am taking him to London with me in a few days, so maybe Watford will buy him a pint as a tip, but he’s a dang Red Sox fan, so there is that! I thought that it would be interesting…
Thanks for Your Service: Chris Taylor
I was going to do this post when Chris announced he was retiring, then he changed his mind, but since the chances of him ever playing for the Dodgers again are slim and non-existent, I will go ahead with this post. He unretired, went on the IL, then decided to call it quits on May 24th. Taylor was born in Virginia Beach VA on August 29th, 1990. He attended Great…
Discussion (330)
Disagree, not disagreeable
So does anybody want to explain y Freudman thinks THIS team is gonna win and doesn’t try and get anybody!!!!
Okay, I know you guys are freaking out.
Deep breath. Relax. Again.
Now repeat. Friedman has a plan. Say it again.
Now don’t you feel better.
I feel pretty good about things. Of course, I’m heading for Lake Tahoe.
When I see it posted on MLB.com as completed, then I will believe it.
Could this umpiring be any worse? Just getting ridiculous on the ball strike calls.
Who is this Barnes guy? I really like what I see.
Heyman reports the deal is not final nor immanent yet. Bryant out of the lineup for the Cubs. Ender Inciarte released by the Braves.
Rosenthal says Padres are very close on Scherzer.
Somebody get eyeballs on Jorge.
Grrr, Bobby has even more free time this lunch hour than I do!
Rosenthal says Pads on verge of getting Scherzer
Pollock goes from unwatchable to RED HOT.
Three walks and 2 runs.
Uphill battle from here.
Two more runs on the shift. They’ll never learn.
If anybody wants to see what TBs money grubbing bitch really looks like without her face blurred go to Don Khan Swaylo on YouTube. It’s about 10 minutes in . You’ll see Miss cutie in her pad squad uniform. The dude said she’s a graduate from California Baptist University with a degree in criminal justice.lol
Per MLBT the Twins now more willing to trading Berrios.
Cubs just traded Ryan Tepera to the White Sox for a minor leaguer. Yanks open to trading Voit, and they are interested in Schwarber.
Mets just announced that they are open to trading J.D Davis.
Excelente artículo Jeff, de acuerdo en todos los espectros que sugieres y lo primordial NO cambien a Ruíz lo que más urge es respaldo ofensivo.
These will be the reinforcements:
Two elite hitters: Mookie Betts and Corey Seager
SP: Clayton Kershaw
Closer: Corey Knebel
Two experienced bench players
Scherzer has given up 1 on a homer to Realmuto through 6 in Philly. Crawford back in the lineup for the Giants. Posey not in the starting lineup. That shot he took in the mask must have really shook him up. Cole getting lit up AGAIN. Rays scored 4 in the first. Giants DFA’d Tauchman to clear space for Crawford. They also activated Sanchez from the 60 day IL and sent Brebbia back to AAA.
I don’t trust Kenley enough not to try for another back end reliever. Even Treinen can’t be counted on every time and I think Doc prefers to drop him into key spots rather than use him as a closer.
So, let’s get Kimbrel if the cost isn’t absolutely outrageous.
If it is, step down to Rodriguez and if that doesn’t happen, go for old friend Daniel Hudson.
I’d like to have Scherzer but I think Preller will do what he has to to put him in an SD uniform, especially since he can’t count on Snell and even Darvish is showing some signs of regressing.
I wouldn’t mind getting Bryant but I think Farhan wants him more so let’s get Harrison from the Nats who can play all over and is certainly an improvement over our other subs.
Pie in the Sky wishes: Reynolds from the Pirates or Turner from the Nats. I’d give up a pretty good haul for either of those guys because I don’t see Seager back next year and if we got Reynolds we could move Belli to first (assuming he ever regains his form) and Muncy to second.
Lots of rumors and not much action. Boston has joined the Scherzer sweepstakes. Indians got one player for Hernandez and Nats the same for Hand. Yankee deal for Gallo official now.
Not that my opinion matters, but the only names I am interested in are:
1 Kimbrel
2 Scherzer
I’m still high on our offense, all that needs to happen is for our offensive guys to get healthy. But I am not happy with Jansen as our closer and that is why Kimbrel is #1 on my list.
Okay, I’m not sure where Kris Bryant would play.
AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor are both having excellent years. Add in Mookie Betts, the outfield is set. Cody Bellinger at first, Max Muncy at second, Corey Seager at short and Justin Turner at third, pretty much the infield is also set. What do the Dodgers do with Bryant? A back-up? Sorry, but I just don’t see the need. If the Dodgers had a DH, maybe. But Bryant, after a hot start, has become a pedestrian lately.
As to Max Scherzer, Bill Plaschke notes in his column today in the LA Times the Dodgers could have inked him years ago as a free agent, Max wanting to play in LA, but Andrew Friedman passed and that might have cost the Dodgers a couple of World Series titles. But if I recall correctly, that would have cost the Dodgers a first round pick. Walker Buehler.
Hey, I wanted the Dodgers to trade for him when the Diamondbacks decided not to keep him because they felt he was a high injury risk. There was just something about him, a power pitcher and all. No great success at that point. But they didn’t. Oh well.
Now Plaschke thinks they need to go all in to acquire Scherzer and I mean all in — Ruiz, Gray — whatever it takes. He thinks the Dodgers should put together a package to land both Scherzer and Trea Turner, who may also be available. While his proposal is interesting, I’m not trading half the farm. He would include Bellinger going back as part of the package to get Turner. Not sure what happens to Seager, where he plays in Plaschke’s new infield. Maybe first?
Obviously the pressure is on Friedman, maybe more than ever, with all the injuries and challengers looking to grab the crown.
If the Dodgers could acquire Scherzer and Craig Kimball that would be an incredible coup. But it would also be incredibly costly. Not sure Friedman is looking to empty the system. In Plaschke’s thinking and he’s not alone, it’s about today. Worry about the future tomorrow.
But that kind of thinking would have mean’t no Buehler, Will Smith, Seager and Bellinger if applied to earlier deals. Where would the Dodgers be without their young stars?
I really like Scherzer, but would it be better to pick up Kimbrel and a lesser starting pitcher? I realize some top prospect has to be included, but I’m not sure I want to toss in Jo Jo Gray or Ruiz. Would it make more or less make more sense to include Diego Cartaya and one of the top young pitchers. Hard questions, no doubt being debated by Friedman and top Dodger brass. Will the Giants go all in?
Exciting next couple of days.
While on the subject of trades, he is an interesting one for the Lakers.
Open on fadeawayworld.nethttps://fadeawayworld.net/nba/would-the-lakers-trade-anthony-davis-for-brandon-ingram-lonzo-ball-josh-hart-and-no-17-pickIt is being reported that Minnesota is asking a ransom for Berrios. Now we have a couple of names that are being discussed. Minnesota wants one of Seattle’s top two pitchers; Emerson Hancock (MLB #23 Top 100) and George Kirby (MLB #72 top 100). Berrios is a good pitcher, but certainly not dominant. If Dipoto is willing to trade Emerson Hancock, give Mike Rizzo a call. Berrios may have one year more of control than Scherzer, but Scherzer can dominate.
I would like to know why Keibert Ruiz is so important to the Dodgers going forward. Last night, Roberts praised Smith, not only for a key hit, but said that he has become much better in handling pitchers. So why is it that we so much need Ruiz, that we must hold on to him no matter who is offered? I am not saying that he is not going to be a great star, who knows, but what has he done that makes one fairly confident that he will be? And again, he is a catcher, you can only play one catcher at one time, unless we think that it is a good idea to move Smith to the infield, and let Ruiz take over the catching, and pitcher handling. And this would be done next season? And if Smith doesn’t want to play infield, he will try to get out of here as soon as possible, and go to a team which wants him to play his best position, and be the on-field brains of the team? So we are willing to possibly lose Smith, would rather keep Ruiz long-term?
Scherzer is very good. The fact that he was not phenomenal in the playoffs is fairly common, look at Kershaw. But he still gives you a solid performance almost any time out. And we need to win the division, and he gives us a better chance to. I would of course prefer him to sign for a couple of years, maybe coming here will help in that. If we don’t get him, somebody will, maybe SD or NYM. We have passed on big-time pitchers in the past during the deadline period, and never won a title by doing so. Maybe we would not have, anyway, even if we had picked up Lester or Lackey or Verlander. The Cubs did win with Lester, and the Astros with Verlander. Boston traded for Sale and won another title. What major pitching star have the Dodgers traded for in the last ten years? None, because the teams which had them always asked for more than we were willing to give up, which at one time was Pederson, another was Lux, and now maybe Ruiz.
Next year, we are currently looking at a starting staff of Buehler, Urias, possibly Kershaw, Gonsolin, and maybe Price, or maybe some middling pitcher we pick up. May won’t come back until August or so. We have seen the problems this year with bullpen games. We need another top pitcher for this staff. Scherzer is the only one of that caliber we could get. It seems obvious to me. What has happened with Bauer certainly is damaging, but it does not mean that we should just stick to our minor-league talent and not take a risk or two. NYY went for Stanton, it was a mistake, so now they have picked up Gallo. That is an approach that I would like to see us take more often.