Max Scherzer open to waiving his no-trade clause to escape Nationals

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer is apparently open to waiving his no-trade clause for the right buyer.

On Monday, the latest reports from the Washington Post‘s Jesse Dougherty suggest Max Scherzer might be willing to waive his no-trade clause. After more than six seasons in D.C., the Washington Nationals ace could use his 10-5 rights to influence his next destination.

Scherzer is 7-4 in 18 starts this season for the struggling Nationals (45-53) who currently sit fourth in the NL East. With more than10 years of MLB service and over five seasons with his current team, Scherzer could require some sort of incentive to waive his full no-trade rights.

MLB Trade Rumors: Will Max Scherzer get traded?

The three-time Cy Young Award winner captured a World Series title with the Nats in 2019, but the post-championship bliss has long since subsided in the District. Numerous teams are no doubt considering trade options for the 37-year-old, who is in the final year of his current seven-year, $210 million contract. The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are rumored suitors. However, if he does choose to leave Washington, Scherzer has some control over where he goes next.

It remains unclear whether the Nationals are actually shopping Mad Max in the first place, but clearly, changes are needed for the team moving forward, and there’s a risk that Scherzer could walk away as an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming offseason. If they decide to consider offers, Scherzer would immediately become the biggest impact pitcher on the market. A reminder that the MLB trade deadline is this Friday, July 30 at 4 p.m. ET.