Best Max Scherzer trades for Braves, Cardinals, and Giants

2. Max Scherzer would improve the Cardinals starting rotation

As mentioned, the next two weeks of games could drastically change just how much a team is willing to buy or sell at the trade deadline. Another team on the outside looking in on the playoff race is the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals (44-46) are eight games out of first place, and 7.5 games behind a Wild Card spot. It would take a lot of wins, but the NL Central has been up for grabs this season. Over the past month and half, the division leaders have fluctuated between the Cardinals, Cubs, and now the Brewers who took advantage of a very subpar schedule.

The St. Louis offense has struggled, and their starting rotation sits in the middle of the pack with a 4.20 ERA (16th-lowest MLB) despite injuries and inconsistency.

Should the Cardinals creep closer in the playoff picture, Scherzer will be atop their wishlist. A native of Chesterfield, Missouri, one would think Scherzer would be interested in playing for his hometown team if they are in contention. This takes care of his no-trade clause factor.

Like a majority of the teams unwilling to pay for Scherzer’s remaining salary and bonuses, the Cardinals would likely have to part ways with their best young talent. St. Louis began this season with the 17th-best ranked farm system which includes several “high-ceiling” prospects, per MLB Pipeline.

The Cardinals No.3 prospect, catcher Ivan Herrera, is considered the team’s best hitting youngster and he’s the heir apparent to future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina. Herrera is also listed at No.80 among MLB’s Top-100 prospects.

He’s the type of prospect Washington would likely consider taking on a large majority of Scherzer’s contract for due to his future potential.

Another top prospect in the St. Louis system is (No.2) infielder Nolan Gorman (No.28 Top-100). He was drafted as a left-handed hitting third baseman, but has recently transitioned to second base in the minors this season.

Both are big pieces of the Cardinals’ future, so means Washington sends over a big chunk of change along with Scherzer. More importantly, St. Louis needs to get back in the playoff hunt and fast.

Otherwise, there’s no point in taking a risk this big.