Max Scherzer‘s latest concern will give the Texas Rangers something else to consider before the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
After missing the first portion of the season, Scherzer returned to the Rangers rotation and has seen up-and-down results. The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Rangers on Saturday by a final score of 8-4. Scherzer lasted just two innings and surrendered four earned runs in the defeat. Following the game, the veteran hurler admitted that he was dealing with “some arm fatigue,” via Bally Sports Southwest.
The 39-year-old has been one of the best pitchers in MLB throughout his career. However, one has to wonder how much he has left in the tank given his various injury concerns in recent seasons. The Rangers are quickly approaching the trade deadline. The team needs to decide whether they will buy or sell. This latest Scherzer concern will likely impact the ball club’s trade deadline mindset in two pivotal ways.
Could the Rangers Trade Max Scherzer?
The most obvious manner in which Scherzer’s arm fatigue could impact the Rangers is his own trade value. There is no guarantee that Scherzer will even waive his no-trade clause if a deal were to come to fruition. Teams may be hesitant to acquire Scherzer regardless of his no-trade clause situation now given this latest concern.
Texas is only 5 1/2 games out in the American League West division. They are still alive in the AL Wild Card race as well. If they struggle over the next couple of weeks, then rebuilding will emerge as a realistic option. Trading Scherzer, who is set to enter free agency after the ’24 campaign, would make sense in that scenario.
Between his no-trade clause and arm fatigue, however, a deal would be difficult to make happen.
What If the Rangers Buy?
Texas may still opt to buy at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, Scherzer’s situation could still play a role in the Rangers’ trade deadline approach. Injuries have been far too common for the team and although the potential returns of Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle provide reasons for optimism, adding another pitcher will be an option.
Again, Scherzer has enjoyed a tremendous career. It is fair to say that relying on him at this point is risky given his previous injury trouble and current situation. The Rangers will not completely give up on Scherzer, but adding pitching insurance will intrigue the team.
At the end of the day, Scherzer’s arm fatigue will play a role in the Rangers’ trade deadline mindset regardless of which approach they ultimately take. Texas is hopeful that this issue is not serious and that Scherzer can bounce back soon. It is quite uncertain at the moment, however.
Photo Credit: © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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