MLB Rumors: Max Scherzer reveals teams he’d prefer to be traded to

With MLB Trade Rumors swirling, Cy Young ace Max Scherzer has a wish list of teams he’d like to end up with after the deadline passes.

The Washington Nationals could have been seen as a trade seller a month or more ago, but sitting 8.5 games out in the NL East entering Tuesday assures they are that with the trade deadline on Friday. On that note, ace Max Scherzer has revealed where he’d like to be traded to.

With 10-and-5 rights (10 years of service, five with the same team), Scherzer can veto a trade. But as the Nationals fade from relevance, he is open to waving his no-trade clause in order to go to a contender as the final year of his contract winds down.

Scherzer was scratched from his most recent start due to right triceps discomfort, which was easy to see as a move to protect a trade asset more than a particular red flag for his health. He is having another fantastic season thus far, with a 2.83 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, 142 strikeouts (12.2 K/9), 25 walks (2.2 BB/9) over 18 starts (105 innings).

MLB Trade Rumors: Max Scherzer would be a needle mover in NL West race

With his apparent strong preference for the West Coast, as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com cited, the NL West leaders–the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres–stand out as landing spots for Scherzer. The Dodgers in particular, with Clayton Kershaw injured and Trevor Bauer out of the mix due to an ongoing off-field situation, should be at front of the line for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.

If Scherzer is willing to allow some leeway on strictly going to the West Coast, the Houston Astros would be a possible landing spot too. His preference to go West effectively rules out the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays or New York Mets.

The idea Scherzer could be a rental for a contender doesn’t appear to be at the forefront of the conversation. As the top starting pitcher available, it will be a surprise if he’s not elsewhere by Friday afternoon.