Max Scherzer Trade Expected By Wednesday Night; Nationals GM To Let Pitcher Help Decide His Fate

Max Scherzer does have a no-trade clause, and it is up to him whether to accept a trade, but the close relationship he has with Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo makes any trade for the 3-time Cy Young Award winner a truly collaborative effort, as Rizzo confirmed on Washington radio on Wednesday:

Mike Rizzo just came right out and said he's talked with Max Scherzer about trade possibilities: "Max has earned the right to have some control over his destiny." https://t.co/9xa69SDX5N

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) July 28, 2021

"Max has earned the right to have some control over his destiny.. Max and I have the closest, most unique, relationship I've ever had with player. We have great dialogue, almost daily."

Scherzer has indicated that his preference if traded is to head to the West Coast, which, according to a report today from MLB Insider Jon Morosi, makes this a drag-em-out battle between the three teams battling for supremacy in the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.

Sources: Max Scherzer trade talks have continued to intensify, and those close to the conversations believe a deal could be reached by late tonight. The Giants, Dodgers, and Padres are among the top suitors, but other clubs are involved. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2021

Morosi also hears from his sources that a Scherzer trade, if it happens, should go down by midnight Wednesday. 

The future Hall of Famer becomes a free agent after the season, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Nationals could re-sign him, given his strong relationship with GM Rizzo. 

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports