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MLB rumors: Mets trying to trade for Max Scherzer hints at Jacob deGrom’s uncertain return

By Patrick Schmidt

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets are attempting to make the biggest splash at the MLB trade deadline in the form of acquiring Max Scherzer from the Washington Nationals.

While most of the attention on the New York Mets ahead of the trade deadline has been centered around adding a big bat, potentially Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs, the NL East leaders could be looking for Jacob deGrom insurance as well.

According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets are inquiring about the availability of Max Scherzer ahead of the July 31 MLB trade deadline.

"“Outside executives are skeptical that Nats GM Mike Rizzo would make a trade to help the division-rival Mets, but New York plans to find out for itself in the coming days.”"

While a deal may be a longshot because trading within the division is a rarity and Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is not too keen on helping the Mets in their pursuit of winning a World Series, the Mets are going to try to make it as difficult as possible for him to say no.

MLB trade rumors: Mets trying to trade for Max Scherzer with Jacob deGrom hurt

The Mets already have a thin farm system so they won’t have front-line prospects to send the Nationals in a trade for Scherzer. That has also put them out of the conversation for a potential trade of Twins ace Jose Berrios. Even though Scherzer will be a free agent at the end of the season, he won’t just be given away, and certainly not within the division.

Plus, if the Mets are willing to go all-in at the trade deadline, it figures to reason they would be more inclined to push their chips to the center of the table for the 2016 NL MVP Bryant and solidify the lineup.

That said, pitching is tantamount to success in October and Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer who could give the Mets a formidable 1-2 combination with deGrom. The injury concerns for deGrom and, well, concerning, as he’s missed time with myriad ailments this season all while putting up historic numbers as the best pitcher in baseball.

If the Mets are concerned about deGrom’s viability for the rest of the season, especially the postseason, making a more concerted push for a Scherzer trade makes sense. Scherzer has also dealt with some minor ailments, including being scratched from his start on Saturday, but isn’t anything that will keep him sidelined or stand in the way of any trade.

All that said, it’s still a longshot the Mets can consummate a trade for the three-time Cy Young Award winner, but the Mets are going to try to bring him to the Big Apple nonetheless.

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