MLB Rumors: Surprise Scherzer trade, Moustakas grade, Mets help Yankees?

MLB Rumors: Max Scherzer to the Cincinnati Reds?

Will the New York Mets trade Max Scherzer at the deadline? While Scherzer has a full no-trade clause, he only has a few years left, so there’s a possibility he’d waive it were New York to deal him somewhere a little more competitive. Scherzer has been up and down in 2023, with a 7-2 record plus a 3.95 ERA. Those numbers have improved considerably of late, though.

At his best, Scherzer is the ace the Cincinnati Reds are lacking at the front end of their rotation. Cincinnati has a loaded farm system, and could send some enticing prospects to Queens, such as Christian Encarnacion-Strand, for one.

Scherzer has an option after this season, and could become a free agent once again. It makes sense from all angles, as even Scherzer would have a chance to escape Cincinnati (should he wish) and make more money elsewhere in 2024. Jim Bowden of The Athletic first floated the Reds as a possible fit:

"“The Reds rank fourth in the majors this month in runs scored and just got Joey Votto back from the injured list. If Hunter Greene (hip injury) can return from the IL soon and rookie Andrew Abbott continues to dominate (3-0, 1.14 ERA in four starts), the Reds might be just one prolific starter away from not only winning the NL Central, but also becoming serious postseason threats. The Reds’ farm system is loaded and they could put together a package that would make sense for their organization but also the Mets, if they look to reboot.”"

Yes, Cincy’s winning streak just ended at 12 thanks to a one-run defeat against the NL’s best, the Atlanta Braves. If the Reds have learned anything over these past few weeks, it’s that they are for real, but eventually they’ll have to out-pitch their opponents, rather than out-slug them.