The Texas Rangers continue to struggle, and trading Max Scherzer could emerge as an option before the 2024 deadline.
Should Rangers Trade Max Scherzer Before The Deadline?
The Rangers won the World Series in 2023, but 2024 has been a forgettable campaign. As of this story’s writing, Texas is almost 10 games under .500 and in third place in the American League West. With Texas nine games behind the Seattle Mariners in the division, one has to wonder how the Rangers will approach the MLB trade deadline.
The Rangers do not need to enter a complete rebuild. After all, they won the Fall Classic in 2023 with a similar roster. The hope is that when stars such as Jacob deGrom return, the Rangers will begin playing a quality brand of baseball once again. However, should the Rangers consider a Max Scherzer trade?
Max Scherzer Trade?
Scherzer missed the first portion of the 2024 season before recently returning. The veteran right-handed hurler is set to enter free agency following the 2024 campaign, according to Spotrac. Unless the Rangers bounce back and display signs of seriously contending, trading Scherzer would make sense.
If they miss the postseason, Texas will not want to risk losing him for nothing in free agency. The risk would become much more valid if Texas makes a playoff run.
At the moment, the Rangers’ standings placement is unquestionably far from ideal. That does not mean the Rangers will not find their groove in July. If Texas rebounds and plays well during the month of July, perhaps the idea of trading Scherzer will not be as attractive. If they continue to underperform, however, dealing Scherzer away will be a legitimate option.
Scherzer is a talented veteran pitcher who contenders will have an interest in acquiring. His postseason experience will only increase their interest.
Rangers’ 2024 Outlook Amid First-Half Struggles
The Rangers could still make a run at an American League Wild Card spot. In fact, a run at the division is not out of the question. The Rangers need all-around improved consistency throughout the roster, though.
Offensively, players such as Josh Jung and Evan Carter have been missed. Both players are currently on the injured list. Corey Seager has also been in and out of the lineup with various injury concerns. The Rangers lineup played a pivotal role in the team’s overall 2023 success. They will need more offensive production moving forward.
Pitching wise, the bullpen has question marks. The starting rotation features more than enough potential to lead the way, but again, injuries have hampered the production. That leads back to the Max Scherzer trade question.
Scherzer has undeniably dealt with his own share of injury concerns over the past few years. At 39 years old, it is surely something the Rangers are keeping in mind. Rumors will likely continue to swirl about a potential Scherzer trade if the Rangers fail to bounce back in 2024. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining if a deal will come to fruition.
This situation will be worth monitoring as the 2024 MLB trade deadline draws near.
Main Photo Credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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